Talk Football Here

[Locke.]

The Reina rumor came from Twitter, it started on there with some journalist guessing Reina will leave, and the metro had the story up on there website half an hour later. I wouldn't blame Reina for leaving really, all his Spanish mates have left now, he is the last one standing.. He seems to be happy here though and I'd be even more gutted about him leaving than I was about Torres.

[bbfan1991]

The Reina rumor came from Twitter, it started on there with some journalist guessing Reina will leave, and the metro had the story up on there website half an hour later. I wouldn't blame Reina for leaving really, all his Spanish mates have left now, he is the last one standing.. He seems to be happy here though and I'd be even more gutted about him leaving than I was about Torres.

The press do talk some utter bull**** sometimes:rolleyes:, he must be desperate for Champions League football and a chance to win the Premier League which Liverpool can't offer (at the moment and still in process of rebuilding).

On another note United will have a busy summer of ins and outs:D.

[Locke.]

You think Giggs and Scholes will carry on playing next season or quit this summer?

[bbfan1991]

You think Giggs and Scholes will carry on playing next season or quit this summer?

I think Giggs is staying for another year, he's doing his coaching badges and will probably have a first team coach role or something once he hangs up his boots.

Scholes, still a question mark over him but he still has it, one of the best passers i've seen in the PL by miles and hasn't changed with his OTT tackling and getting booked a quite a bit:joker:.

Stecklenburg is meant to be our number 1 choice to replace VDS but Neuer looks good too, what do you think?:)

[alc09]

Carragher bookies favourite to be the first to tackle Torres on Sunday:joker:, i'm sure Gerrard will want to get stuck in too:p.

Torres is still a quality player in my eyes despite him being off form and injured for certain periods (it happens):).

Annoyed that the papers are saying that United are after Pepe Reina, we're not interested and have other targets plus that deal would never happen and now papers saying that he's thinking of quitting, despite him saying he wants to stay but nothing surprises me in footie these days:bored:.
Friends with Sir Alex, are you?

[Locke.]

Watching the Reading-QPR game (my first championship game since the opening day of the season), if this is the quality of football in this league then I feel sorry for the three teams that get promoted, cos they're going right back down next season.

QPR's only threat is there wingers, and Taarabt is obviously not going to be playing for them next season, they'll manage to keep hold of Routledge though cos he has already proven he isn't good enough for other clubs at Premier League level. They lack a decent striker.

Reading look absolutely terrible, Shane Long and McAnuff are quite good but that's about it. Andy Griffin having a decent game but I don't think he has long left. There centre mid is so weak.

Was a good last 10 minutes though with all the arguing and the red card.

Just need a few goals in the second half to win my bet now.

[bbfan1991]

Watching the Reading-QPR game (my first championship game since the opening day of the season), if this is the quality of football in this league then I feel sorry for the three teams that get promoted, cos they're going right back down next season.

QPR's only threat is there wingers, and Taarabt is obviously not going to be playing for them next season, they'll manage to keep hold of Routledge though cos he has already proven he isn't good enough for other clubs at Premier League level. They lack a decent striker.

Reading look absolutely terrible, Shane Long and McAnuff are quite good but that's about it. Andy Griffin having a decent game but I don't think he has long left. There centre mid is so weak.

Was a good last 10 minutes though with all the arguing and the red card.



Just need a few goals in the second half to win my bet now.

I think that Church player and Jimmy Kebe are good for Reading:).

[seanraff07]

Watching the Reading-QPR game (my first championship game since the opening day of the season), if this is the quality of football in this league then I feel sorry for the three teams that get promoted, cos they're going right back down next season.

QPR's only threat is there wingers, and Taarabt is obviously not going to be playing for them next season, they'll manage to keep hold of Routledge though cos he has already proven he isn't good enough for other clubs at Premier League level. They lack a decent striker.

Reading look absolutely terrible, Shane Long and McAnuff are quite good but that's about it. Andy Griffin having a decent game but I don't think he has long left. There centre mid is so weak.

Was a good last 10 minutes though with all the arguing and the red card.

Just need a few goals in the second half to win my bet now.

Whats the score?

Routledge is just on loan from Newcastle but i can't see them taking him back cause as you said he just doesn't have enough for the EPL and the Championship is clearly his level.

[Locke.]

I think that Church player and Jimmy Kebe are good for Reading:).

Thought Kebe was good last time I saw him but he's been poor this game. Haven't noticed Church do anything apart from 1 shot he had earlier on.
Whats the score?

Routledge is just on loan from Newcastle but i can't see them taking him back cause as you said he just doesn't have enough for the EPL and the Championship is clearly his level.

0-0, 60 mins gone. QPR down to 10 men, about 5-6 players on yellows aswell.

[bbfan1991]

Inter Milan are now third in Serie A, so glad they got rid of Benitez after that disastrous start to the season!!!:D:hugesmile:.

[Locke.]

Manset came on for Reading there and looked quality.

3 more points for QPR, looks like they definitely will be coming up.

[Locke.]

Chelsea completely ripping off one of our Torres banners :joker:

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/jan2011/6/2/fernando-torres-banner-746607376.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs272.snc6/180081_571830659978_36702178_33784270_8186582_n.jp g

[30stone]

Dry Reading should have got at least a draw.
One of our better players of the season has been the player we have on loan from qpr..
and he wasnt allowed to play them.

I think we were actually just slightly better.

Hope inter milan dont finish top 2.

[30stone]

What im not liking right now is all the liverpool fans that are hyping caroll and forgetting suarez it annoys me because suarez is imo better...

[Locke.]

^^ Suarez shirts are outselling Carroll shirts by 20 to 1.

2-0 to Arsenal after 3 minutes :joker: Newcastle really are ****ed without Carroll

[Locke.]

****ing hell... 3-0

[Mark]

Premier League is an absolute goalfest this afternoon.

Man U still to play Wolves too :)

[Mark]

Arsenal lol

[Locke.]

Today is the sort of day you wish you didn't have a bet on so you could just sit back and enjoy the games.

Arsenal can't expect to win the league if they're going to throw 4-0 leads away.

[Jessica.]

The problem with Arsenal is, they always try to walk it in!

[Locke.]

Ebanks Blake will pop up with a 90th minute winner to rob your money

[Mark]

lol at all the newcastle fans that left after 25mins (apparently a lot did) :blush:

[30stone]

Thats pathetic..

4 - 0 Leading no excuses that was a ****ing **** performance again...

Pisses me right off, should say though nolan should have been sent off he got chesney in a head lock??

[alc09]

quality of football in this league then I feel sorry for the three teams that get promoted, cos they're going right back down next season.

You are forgetting that the Prem is on the decline in terms of quality - look at Blackpool going up and coping fine. Promoted sides will have no problem.


Mr Wenger must be regretting not signing a couple of centre backs in January - that is going to cost them.

[30stone]

So ****ing mad right now had such a good day today seeing my friends baby for the first time...


And come home to this ****, every time i pay no attention to arsenal they are **** every time i watch they are good..

[Locke.]

Blackpool have only managed to do so well because they have Charlie Adam, they would be in the relegation zone without him, and they're only 4 points out of it now (and Birmingham have 2 games in hand)

[30stone]

You are forgetting that the Prem is on the decline in terms of quality - look at Blackpool going up and coping fine. Promoted sides will have no problem.


Mr Wenger must be regretting not signing a couple of centre backs in January - that is going to cost them.

I dont think today was any problem with centre backs, we just didnt play as well after diaby done what he did.

It was wierd how it changed the game we usually cope fine with 10 men.




Nolans a wanker..

[30stone]

I blame merson lol!


Watching sky sports this morning, was the first person to say Arsenal could win the title this season, i cringed i thought something bad was gunna happen today... tho i thought it would be an injury to Fabregas or Van Persie..


I think we have a problem without song in the team.. and once diaby was gone no holding midfielder.

Draw isnt the end to our season, but it makes us look vunerable to lower opposition.. and its the way we lost.
Bet one of the two pens wasnt, we always concede 'cheap' goals.

[Locke.]

Can all be forgot about if Utd don't be Wolves.. 1-1 at the minute

[Kerry]

*Enters thread for a rant*

SHEFFIELD UNITED YOU EFFING CRAP FECKWITS! I'M ASHAMED OF YOU THIS SEASON!!!!!!!!

*Breathes and exits*

[Locke.]

Off to League 1 they go

[Kerry]

Off to League 1 they go

We'll swap places with Wednesday at this rate

[Locke.]

Why are they doing so bad, they're usually challenging for a play off spot?

[Kerry]

Why are they doing so bad, they're usually challenging for a play off spot?

Have absolutely no idea. It just suddenly went to pot. Can only imagine it's all the manager stuff. We've always been a team to have long term managers. These last two or three years have been really unsettled but I honestly can't excuse it. They're playing sh!t and like they don't care

[30stone]

Can all be forgot about if Utd don't be Wolves.. 1-1 at the minute

No because then you look at it that we would have been 2 points behind united and 3 above man city with a game in hand.

[alc09]

Blackpool have only managed to do so well because they have Charlie Adam, they would be in the relegation zone without him, and they're only 4 points out of it now (and Birmingham have 2 games in hand)
The point still remains - the standard is in decline. Promoted championship clubs have more than held their own this season.

[alc09]

I dont think today was any problem with centre backs, we just didnt play as well after diaby done what he did.


Lets be honest here, any side who concedes four goals needs to take a look at their defence.

[30stone]

It is hard to be angry with the team today because they deserved the three points for an excellent overall performance, in the end they were undone largely by an absolutely terrible refereeing performance from Phil Dowd. Arsene has been pretty coy following the match but he knows this too, I am impressed that he has controlled his words so well, he was 'surprised' with the penalty decisions, a cleverly worded response.

We killed Newcastle in the first half and this should not be forgotten. Some outstanding play and some truly excellent goals. It could have been more than the four. Walcott's tidy opener, Djourou's powerful header, RVP's powerful finish from Theo's cutback and the best of the bunch for me, RVP's thumping header from Sagna's delicious curling cross.

Then came Dowd. Joey Barton was lucky to be on the field after just the first half, a shocking tackle on Diaby missed by Dowd, then another reckless one through the back of Arshavin, not a free kick and not even a card. Then early in the second half Barton went through the ball in a way that was designed to break Diaby's legs, Diaby was then sent off for a rather tame shove in the back of Barton's lower neck. Barton escaped completely unpunished. Diaby deserved a yellow and Barton a red, instead down got it hopelessly wrong and leg breaking was again encouraged by our incompetent officials.

It is easy for some to have a go at Diaby and judge him. He was stupid to a degree but he has almost lost his career to tackles like this, he is bound to get angry, it's instinctive, and his reaction was pretty mild, certainly not enough to justify a red card, especially in the context of Nolan doing worse to Szczesny late in the game. Unfortunately Dowd didn't stop there.

He handed Newcastle the initiative with an incredibly soft penalty, Koscielny barely made contact and the contact that was made was minimal, Best played for it and the incompetent Dowd provided, even though he was in a poor position to see the lack of contact made. This changed the game as the sending off had done earlier, Newcastle had been gifted a man advantage and a goal.

The second goal was probably the only one where our defending can be blamed. Best was slightly lucky with the way the ball broke and he finished well, Clichy dived in a bit and the centre backs didn't cover well enough.

The second penalty was even more of a joke than the first and that is saying something. There just wasn't a foul, the players went up and Dowd simply donated Newcastle their second goal of the day from the spot. I was watching on foreign TV and the commentators burst out into laughter, that says it all really. The fourth was academic, Dowd had been the primary driver behind Newcastle's comeback, although it was a fantastic hit from Tiote, Newcastle would have been nowhere near this goal being meaningful if it had not been for Dowd's shocking partisan decisions. Interestingly the fourth Newcastle goal came following yet another non free kick when Barton dived over after shoulder to shouldet contact with the powerhouse Tomas Rosicky!

It is so hard for us to win the league when we are up against incompetent decision making like this from officials on such a regular basis. It is easy to try to deflect attention elsewhere, Diaby was silly, our defending was not perfect, I know these things, but it is undeniable that the main reason for our demise today was the recurrent incompetent decision making of a terrible terrible referee. Phil Dowd is either useless or corrupt, I do not say this lightly. The only decision that went our way all day was when Newcastle incorrectly had a goal given for offside.

Manu simply do not have to climb these kind of mountains, in fact the reverse is often true. We have thrown some games away this season, but this was not one of them, Phil Dowd wrestled it from us and handed it to Newcastle on a plate, there is only so much one can look to blame ourselves when we are up against this kind of rank bias. In fact I am *****ing proud of the lads today, I would have been tempted to walk off the pitch today had I been playing, RVP played on and scored an excellent goal which was chalked off by the linesman despite him being level.

It was just one of those days when we were beaten by the referee, shame on you Phil Dowd, you were beneath a disgrace today, if the game had any credibility there would be a formal investigation into your performance today, it was so bad that it has left me questioning the honesty of the Premier League. A sad sad day for football indeed

[30stone]

Lets be honest here, any side who concedes four goals needs to take a look at their defence.

4th goal was a 26 yard unstoppable shot, one was a penalty from rosicky, who done actually nothing

One was koscielny with minimal contact (happens)

Bests goal was the only one really luckily beating clichy.

[Locke.]

The unbeaten run is over :D

Wolves 2-1 Man Utd

[30stone]

Wolves done it

Ended their unbeaten run

and kept arsenal within 4 points..

[alc09]

4th goal was a 26 yard unstoppable shot, one was a penalty from rosicky, who done actually nothing

One was koscielny with minimal contact (happens)

Bests goal was the only one really luckily beating clichy.
I don't know how they went in, but at the end of the day you've just shipped four goals at Newcastle.

Wengers decision not to bring in a centre half or two with cost you.

[Locke.]

Some Arsenal fan on Your On Sky Sports ringing in.. "Arsene Wenger needs to get the sack." :joker:

[30stone]

THIS is why diaby pushed barton.. (not in the face so why red)

But its a leg breaking and for diaby who has already had massive problems, career threatening..

DIsgrace that its not even a foul according to dowd!



http://vodpod.com/watch/5512782-joey-barton-bad-tackle-on-abou-diaby-newcastle-arsenal

[30stone]

Some Arsenal fan on Your On Sky Sports ringing in.. "Arsene Wenger needs to get the sack." :joker:

I hate ones like that, its the team, once they are on the pitch they have to take majority of the blame..

Well the ref should be taking most of it.. lol

[Locke.]

One of his reasons was "he is french and french mangers always come out with loads of rubbish excuses"

[alc09]

I do wonder how long it will take for Arsenal fans to lose patience with Wenger. Not any time soon I don't think.

More likely to walk away than be sacked I would have thought, not at this time anyway thats for sure.

[30stone]

In the opening minutes, although we were already two to the good, van Persie was the meat in a Williamson and Barton sandwich and astonishingly the free-kick was awarded to the home side. Barton scythed through Arshavin from behind, but in the eyes of Phil Dowd that wasn’t even worth a free-kick. A string of questionable decisions were allowed to pass because they were not affecting the course of the game. That would change.

The loss of Johan Djourou at the start of the second-half was the starter for what would follow. Shortly afterwards came the incident that began the transformation. How on earth Dowd missed the uncontrolled lunge by Barton on Diaby is a complete mystery. Just as absurd was Abou’s reaction. I understand he has not appreciated that sort of challenge since Dan Smith smashed his ankle to pieces up at Sunderland, but frankly he has to understand that his responsibility to his team-mates is not to leave them a man short for nearly half of an away game. Both players deserved to be off. Diaby was shown red, Barton wasn’t. I know I don’t need to tell you how baffling that was.

The debatable decisions continued. Best flew to earth in the box with little, if any, contact from Koscielny who also appeared to play the ball. Barton scored from the controversial spot-kick, and as Szczesny held on to the ball he was thrown to the ground by Nolan in identical fashion to Diaby’s retribution on Barton. Red card for Nolan? No, yellow for Szczesny. Incredible. Best himself had a goal wrongly chalked out for offside but his next attempt found the target and counted. Arsenal’s defence was contributing to their own downfall.

Even so, at 2-4, with less than ten minutes remaining, it would take something remarkable to deny the visitors the points. In a bid to stiffen his defence Arsene removed Walcott and sent on Eboue, promptly booked for kicking the ball away with his first touch. Then a hopeful ball to the far post drifted out and as the players turned for the goal-kick the most dangerous man in black shorts and socks pointed to the spot for a second time. Barton applied the finish and the only question now is whether Dowd will have to crack the inevitable equaliser in himself

[30stone]

That challenege was a bit like the one on Eduardo..

[30stone]

Wilshere hits out at Dowd
Arsenal midfielder angered by referee after Newcastle thriller


Wilshere feels that referee Dowd should have taken firmer action against Nolan, who appeared to tangle with Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after Barton's first penalty, only for the visiting shot-stopper to be cautioned.

The midfielder wrote on Twitter: "Inconsistent refereeing needs to stop. It's killing the game.

"If Diaby goes, what's the difference between that and Nolan on our keeper!?? Joke."

The young England international could now find himself in hot water with the Football Association for his comments about the match official.

[30stone]

Pardew you wanker.


Got their player sent off and deservedly in my opinion..

LOL!! they got our player sent off, no mention of nolan or barton eh pardew you tit.

[alc09]

And Arsenal wonder they are called sore losers (drawers in this case but you know what I mean). :joker:

I had a text when I was at the footy earlier from an Arsenal fan giving it the big un at 4-0 up, I wondered why I didn't hear from him again then I saw the score at full time - lets just say I don't think my reply of 'your not singing anymore' went down too well as I am still awaiting a reply.

[Shaun]

:bored: being an Arsenal fan = disappointment upon disappointment. Ah well. At least United lost. and we're still in 4 competitions :D

[seanraff07]

Newcastle are my English team, i watched the whole game on the internet and just about brought the house down when we scored the 4th. Come on 30stone Barton has clearly taken the ball there AND he doesn't go in with the studs his knees are bent by the time he hits Diaby's legs, it was just an extremely strong challenge. Too many people judge Barton by his reputation and some of the awful challenges he's made in the past but that wasn't one and he would have been very unfortunate if Diaby had broke his leg or something there.

That's why Arsenal win nothing these days... would Man.Utd or Chelsea throw away a lead like that? I highly doubt it, yous just ship too many goals for a team that are going for the league.

[30stone]

It was a yellow card challenege for me, he got the ball and made no attempt to move out the way of diabys leg, you know he doesnt care if he hurts someone.. hes a thug and nolan is worse... diaby gets sent off for making barton basically look like a kid lol..


Nolan then throws chesney on the ground chesney gets a yellow yes he was holding the ball but goalies do that a lot how he didnt get a red, and match of the day didnt even highlight it, disgusting favouritism..


One of the penalties definately wasnt a penalty either.

[30stone]

Phil dowd needs a formal investigation..

He is beyond poor and its not acceptable for him to make that many mistakes.


One penalty was harsh the other was never a penalty it was a free kick to us as the player held down koscielny.

Van persie other than his arm was onside for the goal at the end..(and his arm isnt a goalscoring part of his body)

To be fair to newcastle too, best scored a goal and was ruled offside and never was..


Both of the were down to **** linesmen though..

Nolan not even getting a yellow when the linesman was about 3 yards away..



Disgrace to the game.

[30stone]

Just seen a video they didnt show on football first or match of the day, Joey barton taking out arshavin clear yellow card...


and the article states he was lucky to be on the pitch as he should have got a yellow for the one on diaby too..



Phil dowd again was about 2 foot away from the challenge and no free kick, the commentator saw it and says thats a free kick every day of the week.

[30stone]

Confirmed barton had both feet off the ground when he took out diaby...

Straight red offense. but no dowd doesnt as he let the yellow on arshavin go..

[alc09]

It was a monster of a challenge. The type that a big man like Diaby shouldn't react too and just go in stronger the next time. Arsenal were bullied yesterday.

You wouldn't catch the holding man of any of the other top teams in England crying over that challenge - they would get up and go in on Barton harder.

[alc09]

Oh dear Chelsea. :joker:

[Locke.]

Meireles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get the **** in

[Locke.]

The French news wires are saying Interpol are investiating 'suspicious money transfers' involving Phil Dowd and Rosický.


...Surely they wouldn't be stupid enough?

[30stone]

What rosicky payed dowd to give a penalty against him where he never even touched the player? lol.

Bull ****.
Still mad about it..

[30stone]

the International Police Agency, according to EPL Talk, is set to investigate Dowd over his performance.

The English referee did not have a game to be proud of. Diaby's sending off was warranted after the Frenchman pushed Joey Barton to the ground; however, Barton had made a number of horrendous challenges during the game but failed to even get a warning. One particular challenge on Andrei Arshavin was an almost certain straight red, but Dowd failed to offer any punishment

Newcastle's captain Kevin Nolan literally wrestled Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczensy to the ground but the incident went unnoticed except for Szczensy receiving a yellow card—yes, that's right the Arsenal keeper received the punishment. There is also the dispute of the second penalty. Two of Newcastle's four strikes were penalties. The first many see as legitimate after Laurent Koscienly brought down Newcastle striker Leon Best.

However, the second penalty bemused all. Dowd awarded the spot kick because Koscienly had allegedly some how fouled Mike Willamson from a set piece; however, replays show there was no contact whatsoever. Barton converted both penalties.

Arsenal are set to release a statement about the investigation shortly

[30stone]

the International Police Agency, according to EPL Talk, is set to investigate Dowd over his performance.

The English referee did not have a game to be proud of. Diaby's sending off was warranted after the Frenchman pushed Joey Barton to the ground; however, Barton had made a number of horrendous challenges during the game but failed to even get a warning. One particular challenge on Andrei Arshavin was an almost certain straight red, but Dowd failed to offer any punishment

Newcastle's captain Kevin Nolan literally wrestled Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczensy to the ground but the incident went unnoticed except for Szczensy receiving a yellow card—yes, that's right the Arsenal keeper received the punishment. There is also the dispute of the second penalty. Two of Newcastle's four strikes were penalties. The first many see as legitimate after Laurent Koscienly brought down Newcastle striker Leon Best.

However, the second penalty bemused all. Dowd awarded the spot kick because Koscienly had allegedly some how fouled Mike Willamson from a set piece; however, replays show there was no contact whatsoever. Barton converted both penalties.

Arsenal are set to release a statement about the investigation shortly

[alc09]

Give it a rest lad.

"Same old Arsenal...."

[30stone]

Im just showing reports like usual...



THEO WALCOTT has told how Arsenal's shame-faced stars could not look at manager Arsene Wenger after they threw away a 4-0 lead at Newcastle.
The Toon made the greatest comeback in Premier League history with a barnstorming second-half performance to force a sensational draw.

It was a devastating blow for the Gunners, the misery of which only eased later in the day when leaders Manchester United lost at bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

Walcott said: "None of us wanted to look the boss in the eye, that's for sure. It was such a disappointment. When you are 4-0 up and want to win the League, it shouldn't happen."

[Locke.]

Republic of Ireland v Wales tonight, hopefully Ireland win.

[King Gizzard]

Come on you Wales. Gotta support for my grandad.

[Locke.]

Fernando Torres: Liverpool is a 'bigger club' but I needed move to Chelsea to reignite my passion for game

Chelsea's £50 million record signing Fernando Torres concedes he has joined a "smaller club" but it was the move he needed to reignite his enthusiasm for the game.


Good lad. Can't see Chelsea fans being pleased with this though.

[SocietyIsRuined]

Republic of Ireland v Wales tonight, hopefully Ireland win.

Well they should win because we haven't got many players as they've nearly all pulled out.

It will be the same old James Collins/Wayne Hennessy park the bus game.

[30stone]

Fernando Torres: Liverpool is a 'bigger club' but I needed move to Chelsea to reignite my passion for game

Chelsea's £50 million record signing Fernando Torres concedes he has joined a "smaller club" but it was the move he needed to reignite his enthusiasm for the game.


Good lad. Can't see Chelsea fans being pleased with this though.

He also said he lost his love for football at the end last season at liverpool, and thats where the reignite the passion bit comes in.

And said chelsea offer him champions league football and he was watching all his spain teamates playing..

Will like him for that. lol.

Not sure who will be happier really.

[30stone]

Why was it not on sky sports?

[30stone]

Ahh found it...

Suppose it was inevitable..

No Bale
No Ramsey
No Bellamy


Irish squad looked far superior

[30stone]

€30m Madrid star made 'number one' Arsenal target
Arsenal - Pepe linked with summer switch to Emirates

Arsenal have reportedly identified Real Madrid defender Pepe as their top summer taregt.

The Portuguese centre back is thought to be hading for a Bernabeu exit at the end of the season after failing to agree terms on a new contract, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is thought to have taken an interest in the player.

27-year-old Pepe signed for Madrid from Porto back in 2007, with Los Blancos paying €30 million for the player's services.

However, with compatriot Jose Mourinho at the helm it appears the player is no longer required at the La Liga outfit.

Arsenal have been in the market for a defender for some time, with the Gunners failing to land a player in the position during the January transfer window despite an injury crisis in the position.

Per Mertesacker, Chris Samba and Richard Dunner were all speculatively linked with an Emirates switch, but Wenger is set to start his Arsenal search again with new targets at the end of the season.



Doubt it very much.

[30stone]

Striker Nicklas Bendtner admits he may have to consider a future away from Arsenal this summer after being frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities.

Bendtner is only just returning to full fitness and sharpness after injury problems this season.

But the Danish international, who will face England in Copenhagen on Wednesday evening, clearly feels he has to play regular football to achieve his goals in the game.

Bendtner said: "I have a lot of feelings for Arsenal and it means something great to me.

"I would be sad to leave it, but you have to think about yourself and, with the career goals I have, I cannot be sitting on the bench.

"That's the way it is. I will do my best for Arsenal throughout the season.

"Hopefully, I will be there next season as well, but we have to wait and see.

"But, if my situation at Arsenal doesn't change, I will have to look at it because I want to play football.

[30stone]

Barcelona's David Villa warns team-mates not to take Arsenal lightly: You have to keep an eye on all their players
Fabregas pinpointed as main threat

Barcelona striker David Villa has warned his team-mates that they cannot take Arsenal lightly when the two sides confront each other in the Champions League next week.

The two teams met each other in the quarter-finals of the same competition last season and the Spanish champions ran out with a 6-3 aggregate victory. However, Villa believes that the Premier League side shouldn't be underestimated.

He told Betfair: “We are confident of playing a good tie and we could get through, but it won’t be easy as they are a good team with some great players. I’m sure they’ll make things very tough for us.

"When you play a team of the calibre of Arsenal you have to keep an eye on all the players, but we especially need to stop Cesc [Fabregas], who is their best player and main reference point."

[30stone]

Arsene Wenger will step up efforts to bring Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen to Arsenal in the summer after the player admitted he will consider leaving the Dutch giants.
The 23-year-old, left-footed centre-back was linked with a £15million move to several Premier League clubs in January but he now says he wants to leave to enhance his career.
“In January, the departure was never an option,” he said to MilanNews. “But in the summer I might consider leaving for the first time.”
The Belgian defender plays alongside Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen in the national side and Wenger has long thought they would make the ideal partnership at the heart of the Gunners defence.
Arsenal have been watching Vertonghen for a while now and see him as able to play as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back.



^^^ This would be good, and is possible, wish it happened earlier, but i see djourou as our long term defender.

[30stone]

LOL always good.


53Szczesny53
Btw I want to apologise to anyone that bought me to their fantasy football team recently.4 goals and a booking isn't the best result... :)

[30stone]

Go to 7:13

That is one Szczesny SR punching Roberto mancini in the face.

ffWi9Bl_QV8

[30stone]

Samir Nasri and Theo walcott hail jack wilshire ahead of his first start for england.

Walcott called him the Cesc fabregas of England.





Cesc Fabregas official twitter

cesc4official
Rosicky dreaming about finally scoring a goal.... http://yfrog.com/h2fxxesj

LOL!!

[bbfan1991]

Glad England won but what a pointless game:rolleyes:, I really can't be doing with these International friendlies.

[James]

Carling Nations Cup is where it is at lol. ;) Scotland 3-0 up against NI.

[bbfan1991]

Carling Nations Cup is where it is at lol. ;) Scotland 3-0 up against NI.

Oh the Tartan Army will be out in force then;).

[Novo]

Hope Scotland Destroy Ireland, Anyone but them to win

[AJ.]

Rooney! O!M!G!

[bbfan1991]

Rooney! O!M!G!

AhNfKZj6O4Q

:)

[bbfan1991]

Vital 3 points:D, City dominated in spells and United had their moments but it took one quality overhead by Rooney which proved the difference.

Kompany and Silva were City's best players, I thought Giggs and Nani were United's best players, Rooney playing well and got his confidence back but Smalling is really showing his potential;).

[bbfan1991]

West Brom winning 3-0 against West Ham!!!:) (sorry MTVN:D). West Ham were dominated from the first whistle...

[bbfan1991]

3-1 and West Ham are having a dominating spell, perhaps a revival is on:(.

[bbfan1991]

3-2:bawling:.

[bbfan1991]

3-3:(:(.

[Locke.]

Could come up with loads of excuses for Wigan getting a point today but not going to bother, we can't expect to win unless we hit the target more. Suarez very unlucky, hitting the post and the bar.

Too far off 4th now, just need to make sure we get at least 6th.

[KG.]

Demba Ba :worship:

[bbfan1991]

Cardiff back to second in the Championship:).

I hope Forest beat QPR tomorrow....

[MTVN]

Demba Ba :worship:

:hello:

[bbfan1991]

Oh well onwards and upwards, Wolves next week away to the Baggies and I hope they lose:devil:.

[Novo]

http://img.skysports.com/11/02/800x600/David-Healy-celeb-Rangers-v-Motherwell-2011_2562408.jpg

[30stone]

http://arsenalcolumn.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/robin-van-persie_1350374c1.jpg

[bbfan1991]

Everton lost:(.

[30stone]

Was gunna take cahill out my team this week didnt because i woke up to late, glad that happened.

[Locke.]

Lampard really has lost it

[DDRickyDD]

Here's my predictions for the week;

Tottenham will choke in the San Siro and get ripped apart by AC Milan, the final score will be 6-0 to Milan. Shaktar will get a surprise 1-0 win against Roma at the Stadio Olympico. Barcelona will pass Arsenal off the pitch and beat them 3-1 with Wilshere being sent off for a two footed lunge on Xavi in the last minute. Valencia and Schalke will draw 0-0.

[Mystic Mock]

Glad England won but what a pointless game:rolleyes:, I really can't be doing with these International friendlies.

this.

[seanraff07]

Another win for the Hibs on Saturday, Palsson was outstanding again totally strolled the game, we are back in business!

And Chelsea are gonna be lucky to make 4th at this rate, i thought they were beginning to rediscover their form but it doesn't look like that now. Torres isn't going to repay Abramovich that £50m spent on him i don't think.

[Claymores]

Another win for the Hibs on Saturday, Palsson was outstanding again totally strolled the game, we are back in business!

And Chelsea are gonna be lucky to make 4th at this rate, i thought they were beginning to rediscover their form but it doesn't look like that now. Torres isn't going to repay Abramovich that £50m spent on him i don't think.

If only they'd played Drogba from the start - I'm sure he would have put away their 1st Half chances instead of falling over the ball. Torres looked like he'd be more suited to playing for Hibs!!!!!!!!! :tongue: He could have played until next week and still not scored.

[Novo]

Torres is turning into a Shevchenko #2

[seanraff07]

If only they'd played Drogba from the start - I'm sure he would have put away their 1st Half chances instead of falling over the ball. Torres looked like he'd be more suited to playing for Hibs!!!!!!!!! :tongue: He could have played until next week and still not scored.

Stop having digs at Hibs... i think he'd be more suited at East Fife which is far worse! We don't need Torres, we have Sodje.:dance:

Torres shouldn't have even started tonight tbh he was murder against Liverpool.

[Locke.]

He is better suited as the lone striker and Chelsea have been playing with 3 up top (Drogba and Anelka vs us, Malouda and Anelka vs Fulham). Also shows with his Spain record, he plays with a partner up front and it isn't as impressive as his record for us or Atletico.

He will probably end up scoring a few for Chelsea this season but he already looks bored there.. can't see Drogba wanting to stay now either now that he isn't the main man.

[Mystic Mock]

Torres is turning into a Shevchenko #2

give him a chance? his only played two games for chelsea.

[Novo]

give him a chance? his only played two games for chelsea.

Not good enough, he should have scored at least 3 by now

[Mystic Mock]

Not good enough, he should have scored at least 3 by now

i still think its harsh to call him Shevchenko #2 after only playing two games.

[Novo]

i still think its harsh to call him Shevchenko #2 after only playing two games.

Shevchenko was much better actually

[Locke.]

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has been pencilled in to make his debut against Manchester United at Anfield on 6 March after returning to training following a thigh injury.

[alc09]

:joker:

Still can't believe that transfer. ^

[Locke.]

AC Milan 0-1 Tottenham

:shocked:

And to think they almost didn't even qualify.. 3-0 down after a few minutes in the qualifying round against Young Boys

[KG.]

Lennon has been great :worship:

[Novo]

Pienaar - Kranjcar
Van der Vaart - Modric
Corluka - Woodgate 59

^

You know you have great squad depth when you can make Subs like that

[bbfan1991]

Well done Spurs, they deserve this and I hope they make it through to the next round:), like seeing the vile AC Milan losing in the process:D.

[Locke.]

Gattuso has headbutted Joe Jordan

[bbfan1991]

Gattuso has headbutted Joe Jordan

:shocked:, seriously?

[Locke.]

2142: Wowzers. AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has gone mad. The Italian greets the final whistle by marching straight over to assistant Tottenham coach Joe Jordan and head-butting him. Incredible. The two benches clash as a result as Gattuso is pulled away, but still he tries to get at the Tottenham bench. Absolutely staggering. What's the Italian for bad loser?

[Novo]

Gattuso is going to snap Crouch's neck

[bbfan1991]

2142: Wowzers. AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has gone mad. The Italian greets the final whistle by marching straight over to assistant Tottenham coach Joe Jordan and head-butting him. Incredible. The two benches clash as a result as Gattuso is pulled away, but still he tries to get at the Tottenham bench. Absolutely staggering. What's the Italian for bad loser?

Thanks:), ha ha what a looney and things get worse for Berlusconi:laugh2:.

[Locke.]

It's just showed him pushing Crouch and then going crazy punching the floor :joker:

[Locke.]

Oh the headbutt wasn't even that bad he barely touches him.. was expecting Jordan to be knocked out on the floor or something

[alc09]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357085/Glenn-Hoddles-new-Sky-Sports-racism-row-joke-Chinese.html :joker:

Wish I was old enough to see him play when he player managed Swindon to promotion to the Premier League in the 90s, he was still a class act even at that stage in his career by all accounts. Was talking to a Leicester City fan in the summer in Ibiza, quite an old fella, and he said Hoddle was absolute quality in the play off final, one of the best players he has seen live.

http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/javaImages/0/aa/0,,10423~7842304,00.jpg

:hello:

[KG.]

Great win for Arsenal; Nasri, RVP, Walcott and Wilshere had a great game :worship:

I still think Barca will progress though, they definitely weren't as strong as they usually are and I think they'll bring it at Nou Camp, but I hope I'm wrong.

[Novo]

Koscielny was Immense all game as well

That was Barca's best side against an Arsenal side without Sagna ( First choice Right back ) Vermaelen ( One of the first choice center backs ) and Nasri wasn't 100% either


Brilliant Performance, bit lucky at times with the Messi one on one and the Arshavin short header to the keeper at the end but they were always going to need a bit of luck against Barcelona

and Fabregas pass to Nasri and then Nasri's pass to Arshavin for the second goal was just amazing

[bbfan1991]

Well done Arsenal:p;).

[Locke.]

Was a good game last night, glad Arsenal won. Reckon Barca will still do them in the second leg but hopefully they won't.

[bbfan1991]

Was a good game last night, glad Arsenal won. Reckon Barca will still do them in the second leg but hopefully they won't.

Nou Camp is their fortress and it will be even more tougher for Arsenal but Barcelona are beatable, some say that Inter got lucky last year but I disagree because even though Mourinho is a tactician Inter also had enough players capable to do it;).

[alc09]

Well done Arsenal. No one saw that coming - may have cost the bookies quite a bit.

Looked like game over, it had fizzled out then a Valdes **** up and a very good Arshavin goal and it's game on.

They will get destroyed at Barca, they haven't got the players to defend but fair play to them for turning it around last night. Deserved or undeserved they still got back into it.

Their best result for years.

[Novo]

13 goals in 20 games for RVP this season

[bbfan1991]

Well done Arsenal. No one saw that coming - may have cost the bookies quite a bit.

Looked like game over, it had fizzled out then a Valdes **** up and a very good Arshavin goal and it's game on.

They will get destroyed at Barca, they haven't got the players to defend but fair play to them for turning it around last night. Deserved or undeserved they still got back into it.

Their best result for years.

If you get at Barcelona's defence then there is a chance because although they don't leak lots of goals it is the weakest position of their team despite the quality of Puyol, Alves etc but you have to counter attack quickly;).

Inter played it right last year having a holding midfielder in front of the defence like Cambiasso who protected the defence and he also used his midfield skills to combine with the attack to set up chances...

[Claymores]

Messi looked well off-form. If you watched the draw against Sporting Gijon, the whole team looked off-form. Couldn't believe they managed to fluke a draw in that game.

If you've ever been to Neu Camp, you'll know what an intimidating stadium it is so I'm not rating Arsenal's chances much.

[bbfan1991]

Messi looked well off-form. If you watched the draw against Sporting Gijon, the whole team looked off-form. Couldn't believe they managed to fluke a draw in that game.

If you've ever been to Neu Camp, you'll know what an intimidating stadium it is so I'm not rating Arsenal's chances much.

I've been there once:blush::D.

Messi definetly looked off form but it's hard for players to have top performances every match:p. Cristiano Ronaldo IMO is much more consistent at the moment for Real Madrid!

[Claymores]

I've been to 1 Barca game but also to the stadium tour (that's how sad I am that whem visiting beautiful city you go on an empty stadium tour!!!!!)

At the top bits, it is effing steep!

[bbfan1991]

I've been to 1 Barca game but also to the stadium tour (that's how sad I am that whem visiting beautiful city you go on an empty stadium tour!!!!!)

At the top bits, it is effing steep!

Cool:D, we didn't get to go on the stadium tour:(. The club shop looks great and how they put names on that crystal vases is amazing LOL.

Lots of stairs to go up and it's a big view, no-no for anyone scared of heights.

[James]

13 goals in 20 games for RVP this season

I've always rated RVP as up there with the best strikers in the EPL.

[Claymores]

Cool:D, we didn't get to go on the stadium tour:(. The club shop looks great and how they put names on that crystal vases is amazing LOL.

Lots of stairs to go up and it's a big view, no-no for anyone scared of heights.

Claymores used to play Barcelona Dragons at the Olympic Stadium - so I knew that part..................that was my excuse anyway to the girlfriend!

[bbfan1991]

I've always rated RVP as up there with the best strikers in the EPL.

Yeah, he and Nasri right now are the most important players for Arsenal and not Fabregas LOL:p. Arshavin rightly got some stick over his performances recently but the Gunners will be loving him for that goal!

Back to United Ji Sung Park and Michael Owen are out injured:(, at least Antonio Valencia is back in training and near to a first team return soon:dance:.

[Grimnir]

once Valencia is back United team can be

...........Rooney.....Berbatov
Nani..............Giggs...........Valencia
...................Carrick
Evra.....Ferdinand....Vidic.....Rafael
................van der Sar

:dance:

[bbfan1991]

once Valencia is back United team can be

...........Rooney.....Berbatov
Nani..............Giggs...........Valencia
...................Carrick
Evra.....Ferdinand....Vidic.....Rafael
................van der Sar

:dance:

I like the sound of that:), still rate Carrick although I don't think he's the same influential player as he used to be and Anderson is rapidly improving every season.

I remain convinced that despite the rumours Patrice Evra won't be leaving United;).

[Claymores]

WELL done Sporting - laffinboy looks like he's worth 50p as a striker.

GO THE LISBON

[Locke.]

Wasn't the best game but I'll take a 0-0 away from home, should be an easy enough game at Anfield now.

[Claymores]

Wasn't the best game but I'll take a 0-0 away from home, should be an easy enough game at Anfield now.

I actually believe you on that one altho I was celebrating Sporting Lisbon's goal so never saw your game.

[bbfan1991]

Wasn't the best game but I'll take a 0-0 away from home, should be an easy enough game at Anfield now.

Indeed;).

[Claymores]

Old Firm scoreline prediction on Sunday bbfan et al? I'll go 2-0

[bbfan1991]

Old Firm scoreline prediction on Sunday bbfan et al? I'll go 2-0

Who's at home?:blush:

[Claymores]

Who's at home?:blush:
'tic - and it's Celtic vs Rangers just in case you had'nt guessed!

[bbfan1991]

'tic - and it's Celtic vs Rangers just in case you had'nt guessed!

Thanks:), yeah I know what the Old Firm match is:D.

I'm going for an away win, (hope) because it's boring when one team runs away with it because you want competition... normally quite neutral though

[Claymores]

Thanks:), yeah I know what the Old Firm match is:D.

I'm going for an away win, (hope) because it's boring when one team runs away with it because you want competition... normally quite neutral though

LOL - you've not being paying attention to Scottish fitba - Rangers are 5 points behind but 2 games in hand - this game is pretty much the decider unless a draw!

[bbfan1991]

The head to heads:D.

[Claymores]

Rangers and Celtic should really play in the Premiership - they'd be bottom half of the league teams but at least it would stop Scottish Premiership being 1 and 2 each year!

[bbfan1991]

Rangers and Celtic should really play in the Premiership - they'd be bottom half of the league teams but at least it would stop Scottish Premiership being 1 and 2 each year!

I thought that and plus you have the 2 Welsh sides trying to get into the Premier League this year:).

[Claymores]

I thought that and plus you have the 2 Welsh sides trying to get into the Premier League this year:).

Maybe I'm biased but I don't think the Welsh teams are worthy - Rangers and Celtic's European credentials seem to say they are worthy.

Celtic have a gold star, Rangers have some silver ones (European competitions)

[seanraff07]

Rangers and Celtic should really play in the Premiership - they'd be bottom half of the league teams but at least it would stop Scottish Premiership being 1 and 2 each year!

I just wish they'd piss off, i'm sure they'd get a reality check in the EPL as some of them think if they joined it they'd finish top 6.:laugh2:

[Claymores]

I just wish they'd piss off, i'm sure they'd get a reality check in the EPL as some of them think if they joined it they'd finish top 6.:laugh2:

See - I don't pretend that seanny - they'd be in the lower half but not ever in danger of being relegated. Every time the old firm play top english teams, it has been in doubt as to the outcome.

[Claymores]

Celtic or Rangers could cuff Everton at the moment for example

[seanraff07]

See - I don't pretend that seanny - they'd be in the lower half but not ever in danger of being relegated. Every time the old firm play top english teams, it has been in doubt as to the outcome.

I'd say at least 10 EPL teams have better squads than the OF, on paper anyway. Even the likes of Everton and Newcastle.. Cahill, Neville, Baines, Saha.... Nolan, Barton, Ben Arfa, Coloccini. Then you pick some Celtic players... Brown, Stokes, Majstorovic, McCourt. There really is a difference in class i think.. baring in mind teams like Everton are still in danger of being relegated.

[seanraff07]

Celtic or Rangers could cuff Everton at the moment for example

Odd how i ended up taking them as an example :joker:

I still think Everton would be too much for them to be honest.

[Claymores]

Odd how i ended up taking them as an example :joker:

I still think Everton would be too much for them to be honest.

Fair enough - you believe EPL is too much for the old firm - I don't and think they would survive there. Did you believe Arsenal could survive against Barca? I didn't, but my bruv is a big Arse fan (was at the Emirates last Saturday) so I had to be a virtual fan and dance around on the goals

[seanraff07]

Fair enough - you believe EPL is too much for the old firm - I don't and think they would survive there. Did you believe Arsenal could survive against Barca? I didn't, but my bruv is a big Arse fan (was at the Emirates last Saturday) so I had to be a virtual fan and dance around on the goals

I don't think it's too much for them, but i think they'd finish bottom half consistently. Even when you watch teams doing well in the Championship like Leeds, QPR, Cardiff etc they look better than the OF. How would Rangers score with Lafferty, Naismith and Healy their biggest threats infront of goal? I was going to say Diouf but he's even worse!

Difference with that is Arsenal are still a top quality team and before the game everyone knew they were capable of competing with Barca if they played very well. But if they were to play them 38 times a season they'd only win about 10 of them i think. Same goes for the OF in the EPL.

[Claymores]

I don't think it's too much for them, but i think they'd finish bottom half consistently. Even when you watch teams doing well in the Championship like Leeds, QPR, Cardiff etc they look better than the OF. How would Rangers score with Lafferty, Naismith and Healy their biggest threats infront of goal? I was going to say Diouf but he's even worse!

Difference with that is Arsenal are still a top quality team and before the game everyone knew they were capable of competing with Barca if they played very well. But if they were to play them 38 times a season they'd only win about 10 of them i think. Same goes for the OF in the EPL.

good points sean, but I still believe in the long-run OF could hurt some of the top teams in EPL and manage 15th/16th consistently. They are big clubs

Not pretending they are top 4 material

[seanraff07]

good points sean, but I still believe in the long-run OF could hurt some of the top teams in EPL and manage 15th/16th consistently. They are big clubs

Not pretending they are top 4 material

Yep i agree i think that's roughly where they'd come with their current squad. Whereas Hibs would be pushing for a CL spot ;)

[Claymores]

so what's yer call on Sunday score sean?!

[seanraff07]

so what's yer call on Sunday score sean?!

Our record in Paisley is appalling but i'll go for a 2-0 win for us, i feel we've turned a corner and St.Mirren are pretty dire!

[Claymores]

Our record in Paisley is appalling but i'll go for a 2-0 win for us, i feel we've turned a corner and St.Mirren are pretty dire!
hahahahaha well done - you know I was talking OF

I effing hate the Mirren for long boring reasons so hope you gub them

[seanraff07]

hahahahaha well done - you know I was talking OF

I effing hate the Mirren for long boring reasons so hope you gub them

Ah right haha, 2-1 Huns, Celtic seem to be pretty poor at home in the OF derbies.

[Claymores]

Ah right haha, 2-1 Huns, Celtic seem to be pretty poor at home in the OF derbies.

Stupid man - if the Huns win we'll never hear the end of it even if Hibees win 12-0. I'm in the huff with you now! Are you going to Paisley?

[seanraff07]

Stupid man - if the Huns win we'll never hear the end of it even if Hibees win 12-0. I'm in the huff with you now! Are you going to Paisley?

Believe me i don't want the Huns to win, but i have a bad feeling they will! I was going to but i'm skint at the moment, already spent money on going to Newcastle Wolves at the start of April so that set me back.

Think the next away game i'll be at is Parkhead next month!

[Claymores]

Best of luck wee pal for Sunday - Paisley effing sux anyway so yer well oot. :joker:

After the split, Hibs are gonna shine anyway so you have no worries.

Think of East Fife for me please - the Dumbarton result this week was a bit of a scunner. Fingers crossed sean

[seanraff07]

Best of luck wee pal for Sunday - Paisley effing sux anyway so yer well oot. :joker:

After the split, Hibs are gonna shine anyway so you have no worries.

Think of East Fife for me please - the Dumbarton result this week was a bit of a scunner. Fingers crossed sean

Cheers, whats yer real name again? Don't want to call you Claymores!

I just hope we're better than our last visit to Paisley, Stokes last game we were murder and got beat 1-0. With a revamped squad and some young, fresh players in the squad now though i can see us taking all 3 points and continue our long climb up the table, if we can put together an excellent run then we're in contention for top 6 but i doubt that, think it's too late :(

Who have they got this week? I'll keep an eye out!

[Claymores]

My real name is Ian - and ta for the chats mate

[Claymores]

In answer to yer other question, we've got Brechin at home - Brechin are 2nd and hot.....................so big worries!

[seanraff07]

My real name is Ian - and ta for the chats mate

Not a problem man, could chat about football all day!

Just out of interest, have yous still got to play Livi away this season?

I live 5 mins away from Almondvale, might nip along and get behind yous!

That's if Hibs aren't playing mind you...

[Claymores]

Nope fortunately as Livi are gonna win the division - only got them at home (another home loss!). I thank you for the thought tho and hope you listen for EFFC results and think of Ian

[seanraff07]

Nope fortunately as Livi are gonna win the division - only got them at home (another home loss!). I thank you for the thought tho and hope you listen for EFFC results and think of Ian

Yep i will do, would be brilliant if we got drawn against yous in a cup next season, it's bound to happen at some point!

[Novo]

What people forget is that Rangers and Celtic would have so much more money if they joined the EPL.. ( and takeovers would happen for both clubs near enough straight away ) more players would be interested in coming to them because it's a much better league then the SPL

[Novo]

WELL done Sporting - laffinboy looks like he's worth 50p as a striker.

GO THE LISBON

Celtic would have got destroyed 5-0, Rangers know how to play in Europe and will finish them off away from home like they did in 08

[Claymores]

What people forget is that Rangers and Celtic would have so much more money if they joined the EPL.. ( and takeovers would happen for both clubs near enough straight away ) more players would be interested in coming to them because it's a much better league then the SPL

Exactly Andy - you put that well. Unfortunately it would be the death knell for SPL - who wants to tune in to Hearts or Dundee Utd on TV if Celtic and Rangers are playing in a real league.

[Claymores]

Celtic would have got destroyed 5-0, Rangers know how to play in Europe and will finish them off away from home like they did in 08

Your defence didn't look like they know how to play in Europe - the sub scored the equaliser, but there were 2 others behind him who could have knocked it in. Yer lucky Sporting is a crap team and even their home support boo them off the park.

[Novo]

Your defence didn't look like they know how to play in Europe - the sub scored the equaliser, but there were 2 others behind him who could have knocked it in. Yer lucky Sporting is a crap team and even their home support boo them off the park.

Matías Fernández is one of their better players.. and they aren't a bad team they are just going through a bad patch at the minute.. Celtic got hammered by Braga who are a worse team then Sporting

[Claymores]

they aren't a bad team they are just going through a bad patch at the minute

Apparently so - only drawing with the Huns being the latest humiliation.

[Novo]

Apparently so - only drawing with the Huns being the latest humiliation.

They are counting themselves lucky they didn't get destroyed by us. We'll take our frustration out on the Peado's this weekend

[Locke.]

Wouldn't mind Rangers and Celtic joining the Premiership really, but only if it remained at 20 teams and it was still top 4 getting champions league and 7 getting europa. Don't know how they'd do it though, relegating 5 in one season would be harsh.

Would probably be better putting them in a lower league and having to work their way up.

It would completely ruin Scottish football aswell though.. But no one cares about the Welsh league anyway, so...

[bbfan1991]

Wouldn't mind Rangers and Celtic joining the Premiership really, but only if it remained at 20 teams and it was still top 4 getting champions league and 7 getting europa. Don't know how they'd do it though, relegating 5 in one season would be harsh.

Would probably be better putting them in a lower league and having to work their way up.
It would completely ruin Scottish football aswell though.. But no one cares about the Welsh league anyway, so...

No way would Celtic and Rangers be given permission to join the PL by FIFA etc, but if by some miracle it happened they obviously have lots of cash and you would get other clubs in the lower leagues complaining that they can flash their cash etc which is their own, whilst they are having to limit budgets but Rangers are struggling financially at the moment too;).

[Mystic Mock]

See - I don't pretend that seanny - they'd be in the lower half but not ever in danger of being relegated. Every time the old firm play top english teams, it has been in doubt as to the outcome.

when birmingham played rangers in a friendly a few seasons ago,we kicked there ass 3-0.:joker:

i think rangers and celtic would struggle in the championship tbh.

[Novo]

when birmingham played rangers in a friendly a few seasons ago,we kicked there ass 3-0.:joker:

i think rangers and celtic would struggle in the championship tbh.

You clearly have no idea then... they would walk it.

[30stone]

13 goals in 20 games for RVP this season

I remmeber seeing it on a discussion board "IS RVP the best premier league striker right now?"
And when fit and in this form looks like it..

If you get at Barcelona's defence then there is a chance because although they don't leak lots of goals it is the weakest position of their team despite the quality of Puyol, Alves etc but you have to counter attack quickly;).

Inter played it right last year having a holding midfielder in front of the defence like Cambiasso who protected the defence and he also used his midfield skills to combine with the attack to set up chances...

Their defence is good but other than alves they dont have pace.. Pique and Abidal who play left centre back and left back respectively can't handle walcott and Maxwell if he plays (hopefully) gets done every single time walcott runs at him.

Puyol has no pace either great positioning, but no pace walcott or nasri or arshavin could go past him but hes always in the right place.

Would be great if puyol is out because that means no puyol no pique.. so not even sure who would play cb with abidal.


Arsenal have a chance but only if they can score first...

Everyone says about last season.. but we were without
Van Persie
Fabregas
Song
Arshavin
Gallas

And look at van persie now.. and how fabregas was playing last season so we have no chance, and without song we are defensively poor. Gallas was also playing well with Vermaelen, and we had to play sol campbell against the best team in the world..


So its different, Barcelona are definately still favourites to go through but without a doubt Arsenal have a chance and if they score first they can do it.




They showed inter before the game... inter done a stoke... they showed messi getting taken out 7 times... Inter have all big strong players and although going in fairly on messi they kinda kept going to make sure he was on the floor lol.

[alc09]

You clearly have no idea then... they would walk it.
:joker:

Don't be silly.

[Locke.]

http://www.liverpoolsite.com/media/galeria/110/4/4/4/3/n_liverpool_fc_reina-1413444.jpg

First person to guess who they both are gets a gold star

[Mystic Mock]

arsenal drew with leyton orient,but who bets when they face us in the carling cup final that they whack us 4-0?

[Locke.]

That's because they will go into it with a different mentality. They will destroy Orient at the Emirates.

[Locke.]

http://www.footie.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Emilio-Izaguirre-Celtic.jpg

Liverpool are mulling over a move for Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre.

Kenny Dalglish monitored the left-back during his former club's 3-0 victory over Rangers this afternoon, which extended their lead at the summit of the SPL to eight points, as he provided an assist for Gary Hooper's second strike of the game.

The 24-year-old had become the subject of interest from Manchester United in recent weeks, with Sir Alex Ferguson attending the Scottish Cup draw between the Old Firm at Ibrox at the beginning of this month amidst fears of losing Patrice Evra to Real Madrid this summer.

But the Frenchman's decision to pen a new contract at Old Trafford, which is expected to be announced tomorrow, has seen Liverpool's biggest rival in the race for Izaguirre's signature ruled out despite Aston Villa and local rivals Everton both still remain in the hunt.

Neil Lennon had last month warned potential suitors that they would be unsuccessful in their pusuit of Izaguirre. who joined the Hoops last summer in a £580,000 deal from C.D. Motagua.

http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/1212495-liverpool-fc-mulling-over-move-for-celtic-left-back-emilio-izaguirre.html


Never seen him play, is he any good?

[DDRickyDD]

http://www.liverpoolsite.com/media/galeria/110/4/4/4/3/n_liverpool_fc_reina-1413444.jpg

First person to guess who they both are gets a gold star

Valdes and Reina.

[King Gizzard]

Isaguirre is a very good player judging by what I've seen of him

Then again, it's the SPL..Emile Heskey would look like David Villa up there

[Mystic Mock]

http://www.liverpoolsite.com/media/galeria/110/4/4/4/3/n_liverpool_fc_reina-1413444.jpg

First person to guess who they both are gets a gold star

two gay guys.:hugesmile:

[Locke.]

Valdes and Reina.

http://www.walkingoliverdistribution.co.uk/ekmps/shops/walkingoliver/resources/image/gold-star-850.jpg

two gay guys.:hugesmile:

Don't be so bloody stupid

[Locke.]

Torres starts, Drogba on the bench again

[Locke.]

La Liga sides Real Madrid and Barcelona have topped Sport +Markt’s Football Merchandising Report only weeks after finishing first and second in the Deloitte Football Money League.

The Spanish giants helped the 10 top clubs make €1.2bn in turnover from retail sales of merchandising items during the 2009-10 season, with only two English sides in the top 10 - Liverpool (3rd) and Manchester United (6th). La Liga also surpassed the Barclays Premier League in total turnover, generating €190.1 million to the Premier League’s €167.5 million.

But the Barclays Premier League had a more even distribution between its clubs whilst Barcelona and Real accounted for nearly 80% of La Liga’s total.

Merchandise such as scarves, flags and shirts were included with replica shirts making up for 57% of merchandising sales.

Top 10 retail turnover clubs

1. Real Madrid

2. Barcelona

3. Liverpool

4. Bayern Munich

5. Olympique Marseille

6. Manchester United

7. AC Milan

8. Inter Milan

9. Olympique Lyon

10. Fenerbahce

[Locke.]

Separated at birth

http://galeria.lfc.pl/galleries/treningi/2011_02_23_sparta/7.jpg

[Novo]

The Liverpool and Rangers games are kicking off at 6 tonight, the rangers game is on the BBC website and the liverpool game is on Channel 5

[Novo]

Rangers team - (5-4-1): McGregor, Foster, Bougherra, Weir, Bartley, Papac, Davis, Whittaker, Edu, Fleck, Diouf.

Don't think the liverpool team has been announced yet

[Locke.]

Hasn't.

Apparently Joe Cole is starting though with no Gerrard.

[Novo]

Reina
Kelly
Soto
Agger
Wilson
Poulsen
Lucas
Raul
Cole
Kuyt
Ngog

[Locke.]

Bench:
Gulacsi
Skrtel
Carra
Jova
Pacheco
Maxi
Spearing

[Novo]

Wilson at left back.. that's what position he was playing when he got sent of against St Mirren last year

[Locke.]

After tonight you will be saying "Wilson at left back.. that's what position he was playing when he scored the winner against Sparta Prague earlier"

[Locke.]

Reina is captain

[Novo]

Ngog will score tonight

[Novo]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51409000/jpg/_51409312_carragherboot.jpg

[Novo]

Diouf puts us 1-0 up and then Mendes goes and scores against us...

[Locke.]

Ngog missing one of the easiest chances ever, still 0-0

[Novo]

Thought the goalkeeper was going to kick Joe cole in the face when he saved Ngog's shot and palmed it away towards Joe cole

[KG.]

:joker: N'gog is useless, I don't get why he gets so much playing time.

[Locke.]

KUYT!!!!!!

Get in

[Novo]

EDU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where are you claymores you Tim ****

[Locke.]

Will City make it a hat trick

Let's hope not

[Novo]

We have PSV next.. should have a chance if we play like we did tonight

[Locke.]

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0byqbJ16Te1DD/610x.jpg

[Novo]

Looks like Liverpool v Braga, Braga are 2-0 up

[Locke.]

Would rather have them than Poznan, Poznan beat City 3-1 in the group stage

[Novo]

The highlights are on ITV4 now

[Novo]

Europa league last 16 as things stand

Ajax
Braga
Dynamo Kiev
FC Twente
Man City
Paris SG
Benfica
Villarreal
Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven
Spartak Moscow
Rangers
Zenit St P'sbg
Porto
CSKA Moscow

[bbfan1991]

Through gritted teeth well done to Liverpool;), however Sparta Prague can be proud of their overall play during the 2 legs and the fact that they only conceded one goal:).

[Locke.]

Benfica vs PSG
Dynamo Kiev vs Man City
FC Twente vs Zenit
CSKA Moskow vs Porto
PSV vs Rangers
Leverkusen vs Villarreal
Ajax vs Spartak Moskow
Liverpool vs Braga

[Novo]

Just looking at the odds now

Man City 7/2
Porto 11/2
Liverpool 11/2
Zenit 7/1
Benfica 11/1
Villareal 14/1
CSKA Moscow 14/1
Bayer Leverkusen 14/1
PSV 20/1
PSG 20/1
Dinamo Kiev 25/1
Ajax 25/1
Twente 33/1
Spartak Moscow 33/1
Rangers 40/1
Braga 50/1

[Locke.]

Thought Villareal would have better odds than that

[bbfan1991]

Thought Villareal would have better odds than that

Yeah but they only have a small squad so a few injuries and it could harm their chances...

[bbfan1991]

I just added Nani on Twitter:hugesmile:, it's a verified account!

[Locke.]

Carragher setting a British record tonight, 137 European appearances.

[DDRickyDD]

Benfica vs PSG
Dynamo Kiev vs Man City
FC Twente vs Zenit
CSKA Moskow vs Porto
PSV vs Rangers
Leverkusen vs Villarreal
Ajax vs Spartak Moskow
Liverpool vs Braga

Teams in bold are the teams I think will go through.

[Novo]

Former Everton and Inter Milan midfielder Andy van der Meyde has retired from football, aged 31.
Van der Meyde, capped 18 times by Netherlands, joined Everton from Inter in 2005 but endured a torrid time with injuries and made only 24 appearances.
He joined PSV Eindhoven on a short-term deal after leaving Everton as a free agent at the end of the 2008/09 season.
"I quit," said the Ajax graduate when announcing the end of his career. "I do not need to give an interview."
The winger's most memorable moment for Everton probably came when he set up Dan Gosling for the winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup in 2009.
He started his career at Ajax, winning two league titles with the club, before moving to Inter Milan.
Van der Meyde played for Netherlands between 2002 and 2004, helping them reach the semi-finals of Euro 2004.

[Locke.]

Got to be one of the worst players to play in the Premiership in the last 10 years

[Novo]

Li Wei-Feng

[Mystic Mock]

Got to be one of the worst players to play in the Premiership in the last 10 years

do you remember martin taylor for birmingham city?

[Novo]

do you remember martin taylor for birmingham city?

He's been solid at Watford and he wasn't awful at Birmingham.. there has been far far worse players

[Mystic Mock]

He's been solid at Watford and he wasn't awful at Birmingham.. there has been far far worse players

well peter enckleman for aston villa has to go down as the worse player in football history imo,as he couldnt even stop a throwing off his own player going past him.:joker:

[Locke.]

Enckleman was quite good, especially when he was at Villa

[Mystic Mock]

Enckleman was quite good, especially when he was at Villa

oh i always thought enckleman was very impressive against birmingham.:joker:

[King Gizzard]

Are you actually joking david?

he was terrible

[Locke.]

Quite liked him, gets remembered mainly for that own goal vs Birmingham, but other than that I thought he was good.

[Novo]

He is at St Johnstone now

[Novo]

Former Wolves and Tottenham defender Dean Richards dies

Former Tottenham and Wolves defender Dean Richards, whose £8.1m transfer to Spurs set a record for the highest amount paid for a player with no senior international caps, has died after a long-term illness.

Richards, who also played for Bradford and Southampton, was forced to retire from the game in March 2005 after suffering from dizzy spells and headaches while at White Hart Lane.

The 36 year-old had been working as a coach at Bradford City since 2007, the club where he had begun his career.

In 1995 Richards was signed by Wolves and four years later moved to then-Premiership side Southampton. Richards impressed on the south coast and followed manager Glenn Hoddle to White Hart Lane in 2001.

Richards was dogged by injury at Tottenham, however, making just 73 appearances in his four years in north London.

A statement on the Wolves website read: "Everyone at Wolves was saddened to hear of the death of Dean Richards, who passed away this morning after a battle with serious illness."

There will be a tribute paid to the defender ahead of Wolves game against Spurs on Sunday 6 March.

[bbfan1991]

^ Very sad RIP Dean Richards:(.

[bbfan1991]

Wolves winning so far:(.

Come on United!!!:devil:

[alc09]

I can't wait for Carroll and N'Gog to line up alongside each other for Liverpool - comedy gold.

[Locke.]

Ngog won't be lining up, it will be Carroll in the center with Suarez and Kuyt coming in from the sides.