Latest LFC News - TalkTheReds Liverpool FC Fans Forum
Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to Talk The Reds. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Basically we're like most other Liverpool Forums, we have some general banter and some discussion about Liverpool FC, which is after all the reason we all came to this forum in the first place.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Locked Topic
English Premier League; Chat Thread/Scores Thread
Topic Started: Sep 13 2014, 01:57 PM (15,759 Views)
Ste_Macca
Member Avatar
SmegHead

Premier League Thread

All scores and discussion here

"Is that a cigarette your smoking Lister?" - "No, Its a Chicken!!"

SmegHead

"sorry goose it time to buzz the tower"
Offline Goto Top
 
Replies:
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

NBC Sports: Rainieri Isn't Nervous, But Says Big Spenders Should Be

Posted Image
Quote:
 
With nine matches to play, Leicester City hold a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Manager Claudio Ranieri has remained grounded all season, never talking about the title and only thinking of the next fixture on the schedule.

Now that the Foxes are title favorites, some believed Leicester would stumble down the stretch. However, they continue to push on.

When asked if he was feeling any nerves as the season’s end nears closer, Ranieri said quite the opposite. The mood around Leicester is calm and focused on the task at hand, as the Italian reminded everyone of the state of the club when he took over in July.

We’re not nervous. Our job is done. Our job was to save the team. This is an amazing season for us. Everything we achieve is something more.

The others must be nervous, the others spend a lot of money to win the title. We have to build slowly, slowly.

The target was to save the team, and it is important that you are reminded what our target was. When we got to 39 points at the end of the first part of the season I said ‘I want to improve. Now I want to do 40’.

When I arrive at 79, maybe I want to arrive at 80, 81. I don’t know? But now our focus is on Newcastle.


Compared to the other teams in the title hunt, Leicester has a relatively favorable schedule which includes matchups with relegation-threatened clubs Newcastle, Swansea, and Sunderland.

Leicester also has only the Premier League to focus on, as Spurs, Arsenal, and Manchester City are all still playing in Europe as well. Ranieri and Leicester have not shown any nerves all season long, and they will be confident heading down the stretch that they can pull off the impossible, one point at a time.
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

note: cross-posted over at Conversations

NBC Sports: Van Gaal Says Manchester United Must Win Out To Finish Top-4

Posted Image
Quote:
 
Manchester United dropped to sixth on the Premier League table this weekend, falling to West Bromwich Albion 1-0 on Sunday.

The Red Devils now sit three points behind fourth-place Manchester City, although City has played one less match than United.

With a spot in the top-four necessary for United to clinch a spot in the Champions League next season, manager Louis Van Gaal knows his side’s chances are slipping away.

Speaking after the West Brom loss, LVG was asked how many points United would need to fight for a top-four finish.

Van Gaal’s answer was simple: 27.

With nine matches to play, van Gaal believes United must win out to assure a spot in the top-four. If United were to finish the season with nine wins on the spin, they would end the campaign with 74 points. Last season they finished fourth with 70 points.

United still has upcoming league matches against Leicester, Tottenham, and Manchester City, so they will have opportunities to make up some points on the teams ahead of them. However, finishing the year with nine consecutive wins is near impossible as Sunday’s loss at West Brom saw valuable points dropped for the Red Devils.
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

NBC Sports: Bilic Hopes For Permanent Shift At Top As West Ham Push For Champions League

Posted Image
Quote:
 
Slaven Bilic is quite enjoying his first season as a manager in the Premier League. His West Ham moved up to fifth on the Premier League table this weekend after defeating Everton 3-2, a match in which they trailed 2-0 with less than 15 minutes to play.

With the Hammers sitting just a point outside of the Champions League spots with nine matches remaining, supporters at Upton Park are starting to believe they could see their club playing against Europe’s elite next season.

Partly because of stories like Leicester’s miraculous run and Chelsea’s collapse, West Ham have flown under the radar in this wild and unpredictable Premier League season.

Speaking on the Hammers’ success and the state of the Premier League, Bilic said he hopes the power continues to shift from the traditional “big clubs” to other teams on the rise.

I think this is a permanent shift at the top.

Say Man City buy Karim Benzema. They have Sergio Aguero already, so there is no big gap for them to improve. There is no big space to get much better. Chelsea can sell Diego Costa and buy Robert Lewandowski, yes, but they are only different; not better.

But clubs like us, Crystal Palace, West Brom, Leicester: we can still improve with the money. Two years ago West Brom maybe could afford Salomon Rondon, but they would have had to sell Saido Berahino to get him. Now they can keep Berahino, so next year, with more investment, you can keep those players. Crystal Palace can keep Yohan Cabaye and bring another one.


Bilic mentioned the likes of Salomon Rondon and Yohan Cabaye, but his own signing of Dimitri Payet truly shows the power shift in the Premier League. West Ham paid more than $15 million for Payet this summer, and that looks to be a bargain as the French playmaker’s name is towards the top of the list for player of the season.

In his first year in charge, Bilic has West Ham in line for their best Premier League campaign since finishing seventh back in 2002. With an upcoming move to the Olympic Stadium and more money coming in with the new television deal, Bilic has the club in the perfect position to challenge at the top.
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

note: cross-posted over at Conversations

UEFA: Premier League Widens Rankings Gap Over Italy's Serie A

Posted Image
Quote:
 
February was a good month for England in their battle with Italy to end the season in the top three of the UEFA association club coefficient rankings, the key positional battle ahead of the 2017/18 competition allocations.

Having slipped behind Germany in the UEFA association club coefficient rankings, England are now looking to hold off Italy and retain the all-important third position that will ensure four UEFA Champions League berths in 2017/18 (three automatic group stage and one qualifying place).

The associations' positions in the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League access list are determined on the basis of the associations' coefficients established at the finish of the 2015/16 campaign, on the basis of the associations' coefficients from seasons 2011/12 to 2015/16.

Following last season's rankings, which decided the allocations for 2016/17, England were second behind Spain and ahead of Germany in the table, calculated over a five-year period, ensuring this season's Liga, Premier League and Bundesliga each have the four UEFA Champions League slots. However, the 2010/11 campaign, which was especially good for England and weak for fourth-placed Italy, is dropping out of the reckoning, meaning Serie A began 2015/16 just three points behind England while the Bundesliga has already overtaken the Premier League.

England's teams performed marginally better than Italy's in the group stages of both senior club competitions, and this month's results have helped further increase the gap. Manchester City's 3-1 UEFA Champions League win at Dynamo Kyiv, coupled with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all making UEFA Europa League progress means the Premier League now leads Serie A 73.909 to 70.272 with more chances to add in the coming rounds.

-Read more: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2337057.html
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

NBC Sports: Injury Crisis At Arsenal?

Posted Image
Quote:
 
Arsenal’s 4-0 FA Cup fifth round replay victory at Hull City on Tuesday came at a cost.

The Gunners lost both center backs — Per Mertesacker and Gabriel — during the game to minor injuries, plus Aaron Ramsey suffered a more serious looking injury to his thigh.

Arsene Wenger is worried, and rightly so. The injuries are stacking up for Arsenal at a pivotal stage of the season. Gunners fans will be reading this shaking their heads in disgust. This always seems to happen to Arsenal.

Is is the training methods? Is their squad not big enough? Are the players just weaker?

“It was a shock as we lost our two centre-backs in the game and then we lost Aaron Ramsey,” Wenger said. “[Per] Mertesacker is not serious, just a little concussion, and I think Gabriel looks all right but for Ramsey I am little bit more concerned. It’s a thigh injury.” Whatever you put this latest spate of injuries down to, the list of injuries below is alarming.”

This list below summarizes Arsenal’s current injury situation and it’s grim reading…
--Per Mertesacker – facial injury
--Gabriel – knee
--Laurent Koscielny – calf
--Petr Cech – calf
--Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – knee
--Jack Wilshere – ankle
--Santi Cazorla – knee
--Tomas Rosicky – thigh

Okay, so that’s pretty horrific.

All three first-choice center backs may not play against Watford on Saturday in the FA Cup quarterfinal, with Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal likely to deputize at the heart of Arsenal’s defense. With Petr Cech out for the rest of the month, the defensive woes are most concerning for Arsenal, although David Ospina has done a decent job when called upon.

The good news though, is that Mertesacker, Gabriel and Koscielny could return soon, plus Jack Wilshere is closing in on a return. The only long-term absentees are Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky who may not feature again this season, while Oxlade-Chamberlain is still a few weeks away.

With the injuries piling up and Arsenal still in three competitions, Wenger will have to manage his squad masterfully in the coming days. Having an FA Cup quarterfinal this weekend, then a trip to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg next week, plus playing catching up in the Premier League title race as they trail Leicester by eight points, can the Gunners withstand the pressure?
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

note: cross-posted over at Conversations

NBC Sports: What's Next For Chelsea Following Champions League Exit

Posted Image
Quote:
 
Devastating.

While the 2015-16 Barclays Premier League season has been anything but predictable, one of the most glaring disappointments has been defending champion Chelsea.

The club’s performance following the sacking of manager Jose Mourinho seemed to be a positive sign, particularly their ability to remain unbeaten in the PL since interim coach Guus Hiddink took charge. All of that was forgotten though on Wednesday evening, following the Blues’ aggregate defeat in the UEFA Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain.

Through all of the disastrous moments that have struck Chelsea this season, the team has found its way into the top half of the league table, but one important question still remains. Where do the Blues go from here?

Wednesday’s showing against PSG further depicted several of Chelsea’s biggest weaknesses, particularly after the exit of forward Diego Costa. The Spaniard managed to level the match before halftime, giving Hiddink’s men life in the match, however, once Costa pulled up limp with an apparent hamstring injury, Chelsea failed to mount consistent attacks when they needed them most.

The Blues simply lack quality options behind Costa up front, and that’s an area that the club certainly needs to examine moving forward. Other than his sometimes questionable reactions on the pitch, Costa is undoubtedly one of the world’s best strikers — when he can stay on the field. While Bertrand Traore has shown flashes of brilliance in his brief time with the club, Loic Remy has been extremely disappointing since joining Chelsea in 2014.

Willian has arguably been Chelsea’s go-to player this season, however, he has often lacked the requisite support in the midfield. Eden Hazard has been a shell of himself during the 2015-16 campaign, recording just two goals in all competitions. With the Belgian international being linked away from Stamford Bridge, the team might have to ask himself if it is worth bringing the 25-year old back to the team next year.

In addition to Hazard, the additions of Pedro and Radamel Falcao have been unfounded for the most part. Falcao’s health has been a big concern, leaving him very few matches to even be afforded an opportunity to make an impact for Chelsea. The team’s recent acquisition on loan for Alexandre Pato has also left fans wondering the club’s state of mind. Pato has yet to see a minute on the pitch, while he battles his own injury woes, but his overall form had been far too sporadic with Corinthians to make the signing seem just.

While finding support for Willian and Costa is critical, the attack isn’t the only worrisome piece of the puzzle for the Blues heading into next season.

After enjoying one of the greatest defensive careers in Premier League history, it appears that John Terry won’t be returning to Chelsea following the conclusion of the season. That absence will leave an even bigger long-term hole in the team than when Terry missed the PSG fixture. Currently, the squad lacks experience at centerback, featuring Gary Cahill, an injured Kurt Zouma, American Matt Miazga and Jake Clarke-Salter. The latter two players have never been seen time on the pitch for the Blues, which is why Branislav Ivanovic was forced into the center over recent weeks.

Despite only playing in a handful of matches this season, versatile Brazilian Kenedy appears to be the real deal. The 20-year old has filled various roles for Chelsea this season, most notably at left back and as a winger. He and Cezar Azpilicueta could be the team’s starting outside backs next season, but again, that’s an area the team needs to acquire depth.

It’s difficult to believe that we’re only one season removed from Chelsea hoisting the Premier League trophy, but owner Roman Abramovich and the team’s next manager must begin to plan for changes because lord knows they need it.
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

NBC Sports: Independiente Beckons For Aguero Following 2018 World Cup

Posted Image
Quote:
 
After beginning his career in native Argentina, it seems as though Sergio Aguero will see out his remaining days in football at the club where it all started for him.

The Manchester City forward has revealed that he plans to leave the Premier League following his involvement in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Aguero intends to see out the remaining years of his contract with his side, which will expire after the 2018-19 PL campaign.

Aguero recently spoke with radio station Independient en la Uno: “In the last few months a lot of things have been said about a new contract, but I didn’t pay any attention,” he said. “It’s clear to me that when my contract ends, after the World Cup, I’m going to Independiente.

“Here at the club they are great with me, they always told me that they were open if the chance of a transfer arises. But where am I going to go in Europe?


While this news may sting a bit for the Citizens of Manchester, it cannot come as a complete shock.

Aguero, 27, has always made it clear that he’d likely return to Independiente, where he spent the first four years of his professional career. The diminutive striker came up in the ranks of the club, playing academy football with the Argentine side from 1997 to 2003.
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

note: cross-posted over at Conversations

NBC Sports: Timbers' Sign Leicester Midfielder

Posted Image
Quote:
 
The Portland Timbers already boast one of the strongest teams, and midfields for that matter, in all of Major League Soccer. And that midfield just became a bit deeper.

On Tuesday, the Timbers announced the signing of Leicester City midfielder/defender Jack Barmby on loan. The 21-year old will occupy an international spot on Portland’s roster.

Barmby joins Portland after spending time this season with League Football Championship side Rotherham United and League Two club Notts County, while on loan from Leicester.

With the likes of Diego Chara, Diego Valeri and Darlington Nagbe at the disposal of head coach Caleb Porter, the addition of Barmby will provide the reining MLS Cup champion Timbers with depth throughout the lengthy 2016 season.
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

NBC Sports: Injury Updates On Arsenal, Chelsea

Posted Image
Quote:
 
Ahead of the FA Cup quarterfinals this weekend, both Arsenal and Chelsea have issued updates on injured players.

Arsenal face Watford in the last eight at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, and Arsene Wenger has revealed that Aaron Ramsey will be out for at least four weeks.

The Welshman picked up a thigh injury in the 4-0 FA Cup fifth-round replay win over Hull City in midweek, and the star midfielder is set to miss a crucial time in Arsenal’s season.

“His signs are quite positive,” said manager Arsene Wenger. “At the start I would say four weeks.”

Wenger also confirmed that Gabriel and Per Mertesacker should be available, while his other center back Laurent Koscielny could make a return from injury. Petr Cech, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla all remain out for the next few weeks.

Across London, Chelsea has confirmed that Diego Costa could Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal at Everton.

Interim boss Guus Hiddink confirmed that the Spanish international is struggling from a hip problem which forced him off during the 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

“He went off and had some problems,” Hiddink said. “Yesterday he had rest and treatment, today the same, so I will see how he is. It’s in his hip.”

Hiddink also confirmed that Eden Hazard is fit to play despite limping off late on against PSG, but it seems likely that Hazard would only play a bit-part against Everton as he’s been carrying a knock in the past few weeks.

Chelsea’s club captain John Terry (who has been out since Feb. 14) is likely to travel with the squad and could play some part at Goodison Park.

“He worked rather well in the past days and he will be included in the travelling list,” Hiddinnk said. “Of course, he has not practiced a lot in the last weeks and days. I will see today whether there is a reaction to yesterday’s training. I would like him to travel to Liverpool.”
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

note: cross-posted over at Conversations

With the FA Cup quarterfinals involving a good number of sides this weekend, there was still action a-plenty on both ends of the table....
(SA) Manchester City's title hopes took a serious hit with a 0-0 draw out at Carrow Road against relegation-threatened Norwich City
(SA) Stoke City's European hopes took a hit of their own courtesy of a Graziano Pelle brace as Southampton beat Stoke City 2-1 and
(SA) Bournemouth cemented their chances at safety - albeit at Swansea City's expense - with a 3-2 win at the Vitality Stadium
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

note: cross-posted over at Conversations

Two more matches in the books as the 2015-2016 Premier League continues careening towards Championship Sunday...
(SU) Aston Villa's Farewell Tour continues, this time courtesy of a Harry Kane brace as Tottenham win 2-0 and
(MO) A Shinji Okazaki bicycle-kick goal spoiled Rafa Benitez's return to the Premier League as Leicester City continue marching towards a title 1-0 over Newcastle United
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

NBC Sports: "Step by Step" - Leicester's Raineri Towards Title Run, "We Are So Strong"

Posted Image
Quote:
 
Monday wasn’t the best day at the office for Leicester City, but Claudio Ranieri‘s side picked up the maximum amount of points with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at King Power Stadium.

As he has all season, Ranieri claimed Leicester is merely focused on the next game and not paying attention to their shot at history (as impossible as that seems).

He also very matter-of-factly backed struggling Newcastle to beat the drop.

From the BBC: “I feel now that I am just concentrating on the next game against Crystal Palace. We are so strong, we think only one game at a time. Step by step, that is our philosophy.

“Their players showed Rafa their attitude and the Newcastle players are very good. I am sure that they will be safe.”


It feels more than ever like a season of fate for Leicester. In the last few weeks alone, we’ve seen them win four-straight one-goal games. The last three were 1-0 wins, at least two of which saw them fortunate to emerge as winners.

Normally, you’d say that sort of luck can’t last. This is no normal Premier League season, though, and Leicester has been proving us wrong all season long.
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

note: cross-posted over at Conversations

Saturday saw plenty of action at both ends of the table....
(SA) Arsenal solidified their grip on a Champions League berth with a convincing 2-0 win over Everton
(SA) Chelsea & West Ham split the points wtih a 2-2 draw following a controversial late penalty call
(SA) Leicester City's Championship Tour continued with another grind-out 1-0 victory, this time at the expense of Crystal Palace
(SA) Stoke City improved their chances - slight as they appear - at a European berth with a 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road
(SA) Norwich City got themselves closer to safety with a vital 1-0 victory over West Brom down at the Hawthorns and
(SA) Aston Villa's Farewell Tour continued on, this time with a 1-0 loss to Swansea City
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
Ste_Macca
Member Avatar
SmegHead

Rafa Benitez has just went 1-1 against Sunderland
"Is that a cigarette your smoking Lister?" - "No, Its a Chicken!!"

SmegHead

"sorry goose it time to buzz the tower"
Offline Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
MatchDay Commentator

Posted Image
(Reddit r/Liverpool FC: Projected Points Through End of 2015-2016 PL Season)
Conversations
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' - Bill Shankly, Liverpool F.C.
Offline Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
DealsFor.me - The best sales, coupons, and discounts for you
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Premier League · Next Topic »
Locked Topic





Theme by lostforwords at the ZBTZ