BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Mar 19 - 10:27 AM

hi

I see that Norwich are still playing leap-frog with Leeds.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Mar 19 - 07:28 AM

Wolves were magnificent against Man U. Nuno will be a national treasure before too long, and already he doesn't need his surname any more, fine though it is!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Mar 19 - 11:00 AM

hi

Steve

ted off the pitch. After the recent improvement mysteriously they were back passing back and seeming to have lost any pace.
Pogpba was invisible, Martial could not make any progress and in general the whole team was " off colour "
In contrast Wolves were organized and knew what they were doing. they are a great team and I think they will take some stopping.


Liverpool have just scored.... Mane of course.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Mar 19 - 12:15 PM

hi

Liverpool won 2-1

Not one of their best performances ....but hey....they go top.!!!!!

Clop must be getting info from " up There ". He brings on his penalty taker and within 2 minutes they get a penalty.

Just off to watch Chelsea v Everton......weird lol

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Mar 19 - 02:38 PM

I can't take two whole matches in one day. I watched Fulham-Liverpool and saw Liverpool win dirty. Gotta be done sometimes!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 18 Mar 19 - 07:28 AM

hi steve

Because of the very inclement weather we just stayed in and watched sport all day 111

We started with Formula1 - Hamilton came 2nd.

Then watched Dundee v Celtic - Celtic scored in the last minute.

Brighton V Millwall - very exciting game which Brighton won after Extra Time and penalties.

Everton 2 - Chelsea 0. Chelsea were crap.


And of course Liverpool 2 - Fulham 1 . scrappy game but Liverpool were always going to win it.

phew feel tired after that lot !!!!!!!!!!.

I know !!!! get a life !!!!

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 23 Mar 19 - 11:37 AM

Hi

The Euro Championship is under way.

England 5 - Czech Republic 0

Watched the whole game.

After a very dull start England went ahead through Sterling and just before the interval a penalty was converted by Kane. The Czech team came out and attacked bur England had too much for them and ran out winners. Stirling ended up with a hat-trick Great start.

Wales won and Scotland lost.

There will be more games for anyone that wants to see tem.
We go Montenegro next.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: beachcomber
Date: 26 Mar 19 - 09:47 AM

OK, Montenegro not world beaters exactly but, that was the best England attacking performance I've seen for many a long year. However, I thought that Chris Sutton, in his best David "Fwrost" imitation, went a tad OTT. This is the kind of burden that too many commentators load on the England team, year after year, Competition after competition,and pile un-necessary pressure on them. Sure they were the olden times Invincibles when International Football was in it's infancy but, that will not recur too often for any country. There are many teams nowadays that can beat everyone else at certain tournaments. Good luck England , for the rest of the matches.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Mar 19 - 10:31 AM

hi beech

Totally agree with your comments about England's attacking against
Monte negro. Apart from the first 20 minutes when they were very slow in passing and not being very aggressive. But after that was a great performance. Especially from the young players.

I agree about the way in which the media are hyping it all up.

A great performance..... now back to the Premier League. Some great games at week end.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 28 Mar 19 - 02:47 PM

HI

So Ole has been given the job.   year contract ; shows United Directors are confident in him lifting the Club. They are obviously not making a target of qualification to Euro Championship. He needs time to settle down and create a United style of play.

Steve....he could help Liverpool in there tilt for the top....We play City shortly.

But this week-end is nearly here and we have to beat Watford....I think .

Cheers

Mike.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 31 Mar 19 - 07:22 PM

Nervy at the top! Man U, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea all scrabbling unimpressive wins, but hey ho.

Tell you what, though, Mike. Trent and Andy Robertson are absolute class. Andy's cross for Bobby Firmino's goal was the best cross I've seen all season. Trent can take a sixty-yard pass, kill it dead and, within seconds, whip in a devastating cross. You can't give those blokes space on the wings but, at the same time, you can't give space to the front three who stay narrow. But, above all, Virgil's piece of defending to stop Sissoko shooting properly AND to prevent him from passing to Son was as good as it gets. Knight that man. Good game too!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 01 Apr 19 - 09:54 AM

Hi Steve

You atr right about the nervy games by the top teams - possibly excluding Man City ....this week-end.

I was at Old Trafford on Saturday. We were very lucky to win. Whatford were far better but they don't have a Rashford !!What a great goal.
We did have a stone cold pen turned down but hey....with some of our refs this happens in most games.

Yes Robby and Trent were great as always. I have been lauding them for most of the season.

Watched Liverpool and it was a good game to watch. A bit of luck at the end but you don't win the league without it.

How many times did Fergy have lucky breaks ?? I remember quite a few. Liverpool deserve to win the league but City looked good on Saturday. It's going to be a great run for all the top boys.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 04 Apr 19 - 08:35 AM

Hi

Man United 1 V Wolves 2

This result will almost certainly make it impossible for United to get into the top 4. Especially as their competitors won last night.

They only have themselves to blame as they handed this game over to a good Wolves team.

We played some good stuff but made too many silly errors. The ref did not help when he awarded the equaliser which was clearly off side.
The standard of referees is vey poor. Several teams have suffered recently. We have had 2 in the last 3 games,

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 05 Apr 19 - 06:05 PM

Cracking match at St Mary's tonight. Can you see Liverpool conceding any more points this season?

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 08 Apr 19 - 11:33 AM

Hi Steve

Yes A great game with both teams attacking furiously. I have to feel a little sorry for Southampton who played out of their skin.

But Mo Sala's amazing goal knocked the stuffing out of them. Liverpool will be difficult to play and must be now favourites to win the Title.
City are taking on a huge task in going for 4 trophies. I don't rule out the Premier League though and They are capable if Liverpool slip up at all. Like you say they don't look like giving anything away.

Cracking game yesterday in Semi Final of FA Cup.!!!!

And Everton may have given United an outside chance of top four but they have a rocky set a games left to play.

Cheers

Mike

Ps watched Norwich On Saturday.....looks like we will see them next season.....!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 09 Apr 19 - 02:33 PM

Hi

Tonight I am going to be busy. Ist we have City v Tottenham in Spurs brand new ground. Then Liverpool play Porto at hame. Should be easy Pool whipped them 5- 0 last time BUT !!! sport and especially football Cup games can render some huge surptises.

Just warmimg up my TV and wi fi.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 10 Apr 19 - 11:20 AM

Hi

Liverpool 2 Porto 0

A good game to watch. Liverpool scored very early which helped to settle them down and .....hey Presto....another was rattled in to settle the win. I thought that Liverpool should have scored more as they have an away tie still to come.

Spurs 1 Man City 0.

City were only at half pace and tried to control the game but became unstuck to a great individual goal to Son.

City will have to improve in the second leg.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 10 Apr 19 - 12:19 PM

Mo Salah is a very lucky boy. He should have been sent off. Liverpool should be ok. One away goal should nail it. Porto will come out fighting which will leave them open at the back.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 11 Apr 19 - 03:08 PM

hi Steve

Yes Mo was indeed lucky. These are the breaks that all teams need to win trophies,

Last night In the United game against Barcelona we got nothing from the ref whilst Barcelona seemed to be able to foul as often as they wished.
Jessie Lingard got a yellow card as soon as he came on as sub. All he did was stand with his hands held high while that butcher Vidal just kicked everything red above the ground. . Also we had two good shouts for penalties, one of which resulted in the goal.

It seems to be that Barcelona will be firm favourites to win at home.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 11 Apr 19 - 03:24 PM

What happened to City the other day? Are they slipping or are Spurs just better now?

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: beachcomber
Date: 12 Apr 19 - 08:56 AM

City's midfielders played very agressively all evening , very often playing the man more so than the ball. Fernandinho was lucky to have had a surprisingly lenient referee in charge. Silva and Gundogan were not at all as enterprising as usual. Spurs , on the other hand attacked at every opportunity despite City's tactics (The first time I've seen them adopt such a strategy). Delph seemed to delay his tackle until Kane had knocked the ball away. Should have been noted by the referee also.
Still, City should have enough to win out, especially if they can score early in the 2nd leg ???

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 12 Apr 19 - 02:41 PM

Dammit. One of Liverpool's all-time greats, Tommy Smith, has died. :-(

Let's hope that Liverpool can slaughter Chelsea in his honour on Sunday.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Apr 19 - 02:52 PM

hi

I agree with Beach. City were not the team we have seen these last few seasons. I think the missed penalty affected their mood and they just played for a draw; a tactic that went astray.

I agree that City will be OK in the second leg. I think they have been
shaken by Spurs and they will not make the same mistakes next time.

I too think the Ref was far to soft on some of the fouls that went unpunished.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Apr 19 - 06:51 AM

Hi

Man United 2 West Ha 1

We wus lucky !!! I have been rattling on about United getting hits by poor refereeing.

Well yesterday we got the benefit of two poor decisions which gave us two penalties, neatly put away by pogba.

We had turned out with a " scratch " side due to injury and suspensions and a little tactical massaging due to having to play Barcelona on Tuesday.

It was a game of 2 poor sides playing open games so although it was not a classic but is exciting.

United scraped out of jail which was hard on West Ham....but hey, we were due a bit of luck.

I also watched Burnly play Cardiff. Cardiff were once again subject to horrific referees. Two incidents in as many minutes saw Cardiff cheated .sic outof two penalties. This after a huge error which cost them the previous game. This makes them almost certain to be relegated
down to the second league.

Surely the Referee Society should be doing something about this.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 14 Apr 19 - 07:21 AM

The high point of the Burnley game was surely Barnes giving Bennett a sarcastic kiss on the nose, which got him a yellow.

At least Burnley look safe. I'd like to see them playing a slightly more clean and subtle brand of football next season.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Apr 19 - 09:32 AM

hi Steve

Yes a high point indeed....but the recipient didn't see the funny side.

Yes Burnley try as a man to wear down the opposition.

but I don't think that style and Sean Dyche go together. ........lol

Burnley are now safe so that's great by me.


Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 14 Apr 19 - 06:41 PM

What a contrast between the City match and the Liverpool match. Watching City is like watching paint dry. The atmosphere at their games is often funereal. But the Liverpool game was fast, high-intensity and fiercely competitive all the way through. Liverpool brought out the best in Chelsea and it made for a great game, especially in the second half. The game was a credit to football and was an object lesson in how fans should be treated with the respect they deserve, in other words by being entertained.

And come on, Mike. That goal...!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Apr 19 - 11:04 AM

hi steve

I agree with you about the difference in the two approaches by the two top sides.

From a purely spectators' view, there was no doubt about which game was the best to watch....Liverpool.

But from a perspective of winning the League and other trophies, City played to economise on effort for the players and of course to try to avoid injuries and suspensions.

I would say that City controlled their game in a very clever way
after they had taken an early lead.

Liverpool played a much more physical game and Chelsea responded to make it a very watchable game. The highlight was the display of diving by Salah and Hazard !!!! lol

And yet again I was thrilled to watch Salah as he scored that fantastic goal ....fantastic in the way he scored it but also by the fact that he did it at the time when Chelsea were beginning to look dangerous. This goal knocked the stuffing out of them.

The other highlight for me was Clop's reaction to mo's goal. I thought his arm was going to come off the way he tried to punch the sky.

All in all great entertainment. But I don'nt think the Liverpool fans were any more happy than City's ???
cheers

mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 15 Apr 19 - 05:02 PM

Football fans pay mucho good money to go to games, and/or mucho good money to fill the coffers of Sky Sports and BT Sport (yours truly included). Top footballers and managers are rich beyond all dreams. The very least we expect in return is entertainment. Liverpool, with all their flaws, thrillingly keep us on the edges of our seats for the whole ninety minutes. What I get from watching City games is amazing yet boring tactics and a few fabulous cameos from two or three star players, Aguero, Sterling and De Bruyne. The good bits are glittering jewels in a crock of shite entertainment-wise. I know which I prefer.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 16 Apr 19 - 09:30 AM

Hi Steve

Very True

But who do you think will be the happiest if City win the league and Liverpool miss out???.

We have seen a lot of shite at Old Trafford since Fergie retired. The
fans want Silver.......of course but they want entertainment too. City have played entertaining stuff for a few years now including this year . But they are going four the quadruple trophies this year.
.
I was in the pub last week and the City fans were just happy to see them win.

I agree about the cost to the fans, I am lucky that I can see United and City games free ( including being chauffered )due to some good friends who sometimes don't use their tickets. Mrs Mike gets to go some times but she gets into the restaurant and meets some well known players both past and present. She never knows who wins.!!!!!!

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 16 Apr 19 - 02:41 PM

You have seen that indeed, Mike. But as soon as Ole took over we saw that positivity coming to the fore. Football at its best is fast-flowing, forward-surging stuff. The best matches involve teams who both know that the best form of defence is attack, even when you're 4-1 up. No slowing down, no time-wasting, no square possession tactics, no bus parking. We don't pay good money to see that.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Apr 19 - 02:25 PM

Hi Steve et al

Barcelona 4 - 3   - Man United 0 agg 4-0.

We were lucky to get none !!! After a promising start United had a couple of chances. But Messi scored a super goal followed immediately
by a shot which De Gea let slip to make it two nil......game over.

Barcelona cruelly exposed United 's weaknesses of which there are many.
Coutino scored which finished off United;

Tonight watching both City and Liverpool by leaping from one channel to another.

City Play Spurs and are one down. Liverpool have a 2 nil advantage aginst Porto. If both win they will be in the semi, and if they win them The final could well be City v Liverpool....now that WILL be a great game to watch.

Best of luck to Clop's crew.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Apr 19 - 03:58 PM

I'd much prefer Ajax-Liverpool. Looks like we're through. Now for Barca...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Apr 19 - 05:14 PM

Well my God, what a night for Britain in Europe! Brilliant Spurs, brilliant Liverpool. Now what we need is a Spurs-Liverpool final. My two favourite teams!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: beachcomber
Date: 18 Apr 19 - 06:26 AM

With you Steve. I was thrilled by the display put on by Spurs last night. What spirit and do-or -die, great. I think that , if Spurs have enough players left, they can beat Ajax who have a very inexperienced team though they are tremendous footballers.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Apr 19 - 08:38 AM

Son is suspended, unfortunately.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 18 Apr 19 - 11:21 AM

Hi
Like others here I was thrilled by the Man City/ Spurs game. It was the most exciting game I have ever seen and I have seen plenty.

City went all out from the start and were soon in front. Spurs hit back
and always looked confident in attacking City.

I thought City were unlucky with Spurs 4th goal. Surely from what they showed on VAR the ball was knocked in by a Spurs hand ?

That over; City fought back and appeared to have won but Stirling's late late goal hit the net. But no, VAR canceled the goal : this time quite clearly.

I thought City missed a trick By not substituting Company with John Stones.

His height and pace could have held off the last two goals.

I watched bits of Liverpool's game but they had it all under control.

Well done both Liverpool and Spurs.

Looking forward to the semies.

Cheers Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 20 Apr 19 - 10:33 AM

Hi

Just watched the last chapter ( for this year) of Man City v
Tottenham Hotspur. This is in the Premier League and so is important to both sides.

It wasn't the thriller like Wednesday night but a good game to watch.

This time City took a lead from youngster Ben Foden.

This time City defence was tighter and so try as they did Spurs just could get the goal(s) they needed.

Some " spicy moments as both teams became more physical.


Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 22 Apr 19 - 03:02 PM

hi

I haven't been hiding since Man United's nightmare game against Everton . I have been unable to get in until now.

United were shocking with not one person trying. There was no organisation, no leadership and they didn't appear to be trying, unless there is a miracle that is the end of a top four finish. There is obviously problems in the dressing room.

I don't want to take away anything from Everton - they were far and away the better team with some delightful attacking play which brought them some great goals. I'm afraid it's back to the drawing board. I hate to think what will happen on Wednesday when we play City...

Liverpool earned a top spot with a fine display against a surprisingly good Cardiff performance.

At the moment it is in City's hands as long as they win the last few games they will earn the Trophy.

cheers

mike

c

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 23 Apr 19 - 06:35 AM

I'll be cheering for Man U on Wednesday, Mike, though I'll have to watch Barça-Liverpool of course. Another ugly 45 minutes from Burnley. Job done, but let's see some actual footie from them next season...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 23 Apr 19 - 11:01 AM

hi Steve

I I know that many strange things can happen in sport** but
t after the last United performance I just don't see us helping Liverpool.
I may well be watching Liverpool v Barca. !!!!!

It's going to get exciting in the run in. You know, I just see City making it. But I will be shouting for " the Pool ". They deserve to win it.


** A young Amateur snooker player from Blackpool has just knocked
Ronny O' Sullivan ( word's top player )out of the first round of the World Championship.
First time as any amateur got into second round

Cheers

Mike

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 24 Apr 19 - 02:44 PM

My last post was, of course, idiotic, Mike. For some reason I thought Liverpool were playing Barcelona tonight! I wondered why there's been no build-coverage anywhere... :-(

So I'll be watching the derby after all....

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 25 Apr 19 - 02:46 PM

Hi Steve

I guessed you had got date crossed. Easy done....I often do it.

When you watched the Derby you will know that United tried very hard to stop a busy City team that always looked like they had the edge.

We gave a good display in the first half but Rashford was bundled by two or more every time he got near the ball.

Second half was different as City scored with a shot that David de Gea

should have stopped; A strangely jittery de Gea could have stopped the
second.

The rest is history City went to the top and need to win their last 3 games to win the Trophy.

Still hope for Pool cos I don't see them giving anything away.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Apr 19 - 08:09 AM

We can only hope that Burnley will brutalise those poor little Citeh flowers...

Only kidding...though nothing should surprise us... :-)

I'd also like to see Liverpool get ten against Huddersfield just in case the season's finale comes down to goal difference...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 26 Apr 19 - 10:25 AM

Hi Steve

Only TEN !! lol

Surely Huddersfield are going to have a go ??

But I suppose ten is not impossible if Jurgen w winds up his players ready for an avalanche'.

Burnley on the other hand could pull a surprise. They will be wanting to prove something.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 27 Apr 19 - 12:01 AM

Going back a number of posts… I’d not realised Bolton had so many problems and now see a game has been called off as the players won’t play any more until they are paid. I wonder what the repercussions of that will be?

The guy taking over sounds a bit dodgy too? Although this Wikipedia page weird. (Link given to what is at the moment the current version which don’t imagine lasting).

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Apr 19 - 11:06 AM

hi Steve

Liverpool 5 v Huddersfield 0.

Easy peasy. Some good goals but really had little or no opposition.

one down 2 to go !!

Cheers

Mike

PS, going to tune in to Norwich v Blackburn.

Surely Norwich will finally assure themselves of Promotion to Premier League

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Apr 19 - 11:12 AM

And wassup with Spurs, I ask meself...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 27 Apr 19 - 03:01 PM

We've got Norwich x 3 here.

Mum in the study listing to it on the radio, keeping out of the way of dad who seems undecided as to what he wants on his laptop and me keeping the occasional eye on the BBC text.

I hope Norwich do secure promotion today.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 27 Apr 19 - 04:28 PM

And that's it! It would be nice to see Norwich finish top too but really getting promoted without the play offs is great.