Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

dirty

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Yes it was definitely a sending off but what has that got to do with Man Utd great run of refereeing fortune during these last few weeks.:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Well if Balotelli scores the winner it will be the second time he has done it when he should have already been in the bath. As Russ says bad decisions happen but generally even themselves out over a season.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

not if your Arsenal!

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l am not sure decisions do equal themselves out during the season but Balotelli still seems to be showing his studs l am afraid.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

If balotelli scores? He might not even be on the pitch 2nd half..I would pull him

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Arsenal won several trophies using the same tactics during their glory days in the 2000s.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

What is the procedure for asking the ref to review things he didn't see?

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

You sure you are not getting confused with Man Utd and that hatchet man Roy Keane.:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

selective memory me thinks.

---------- Post added at 17:16 ---------- Previous post was at 17:14 ----------

if its not seen by the ref and not solved in the ref report then the fa step in and take action

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I would not be sorry to see balotelli being banned next 5 games, even if that cost the title.

Always had my doubts about him, and this season they never got better

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Get in there !!!!!!!

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Well He is off at last.

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I blame Mancini

We all know what balotelli is like...we all seen it coming.

Fault of the Manager, no one else

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

l agree Mancini has bought this and Tevez's problems on himself and when you couple that with Mancini's tactical idioticness and stupid comments then it was always going to end in tears.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Yes!!! Balotelli being sent off has been the highlight of my day :)

With a bit of luck that's the last we'll ever see of him in the Premiership :)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Now what was you saying.:)

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lol..good memory

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

congratulations to manchester united on there 20th league title

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Yes he was offside; yes it was a dive, but Balotelli was lucky to survive as long as he did ;)

A good day :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Balotelli is a thug. Should have already been off! At some point it the manager or FA officials need to take him off, they have a duty of care to the other players. We're lucky not to have had Sagna injured. Wenger has said he hopes they look into the incidence involving Song. Too right.

Anyway great win. Makes up for the loss against QPR as this was one of the gam
es I had written off. Still, only matters if we win our next two games and hope the others drop points.

---------- Post added at 18:41 ---------- Previous post was at 18:32 ----------

Oh and doing the Polzen has great fun : D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

The FA need to pull their finger out. Koscielny got booked for a rash challenge but hes no way a dirty player. Mario on the other hand doesnt give a toss!

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I thought that that was hilarious. Great touch ;)

Arsenal deserved it and it helped us ;) :rofl:

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Mancini, Balotellis last hope.. the father figure says hes done with him...

http://www1.skysports.com/football/n...sell-Balotelli

the guys had a crap upbringing but be thankful yourr not living in a ditch!

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I have said this before, but officials are very poor and are run by a company and NOT footballers.

I sent a stinking to the FA about the performances of officials on match days, that's why l resigned as an official.

We have bad decisions each week from officials, and nothing gets done and its about time it was, we have young refs that come into the PL, and they make silly mistakes that should have been rectified in lower leagues.

The PL should go back two or three years and follow the decisions of those, and imply them today, Make the officials take a tougher decision on diving etc.

Officiakls are a disgrace in todays game.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Its like City are using him as a scapegoat as to why they've blown it. If anything he has kept them in the title race in the second part of the season. Players like Silva, Dzeko and Aguero have been anonymous for the past couple of months, thats the main reason why they are now 8 points behind. They still have a chance, it seems unlikely, but in my opinion Balotellis indiscipline is only a very small part of why its got away.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

balotelli has left himself open to being used as a scapegoat though. anyone else and the clubs spirit would drop and then there would be problems.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Balotelli's tackle was horrible. A real leg breaker. Even worse on the replay. Manchini should have taken him off right away.

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I was amazed that he was on the pitch in the 1st half don't know a more dirty a player then balotteli in the league now

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Suarez.. in another way.

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Aww, how can you hate Suarez...he just wants to be friendly... ;)

Naivety at it's best...

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anyone reckon City will throw it now to stop Utd lifting the crown at City?

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"It didn't help us at all"? What planet is he on?

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Sir Alex has always said things like this. Kenny Dalglish does same thing...now I think about, most do. I think they live on another world..and presume we don't have eyes or a brain..wait..maybe he is right..Doh :D

As to Balotelli, I know now why Mancini keeps picking him. Quote from him says
"Mancini added: "He's young and could be my son and when you are young you can make mistakes."

Explains all...he thinks he may be his son :D

It hasn't just been balotelli's fault...I equally blame Mancini's strange decisions.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

This^

I wouldn't say it was City using him as a scapegoat. I see only one man doing that and it's Mancini. Says Tevez would never play for City again.

Sir Alex would have Balotelli sorted out in no time if he was to make a switch to United. I'd love to see how Mario would have acted if he had been at Sunderland with Roy Keane in charge.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Here we go again.:rolleyes:

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Were gunna be champions. Lets hope we can win it on Citys ground, that would be awesome

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think you will find that he is very much on Terra Firma. All of his many trophies are testament to that.

Sir Alex was specifically referring to the sending off, not the actual penalty. Most managers and players will tell you that it can be harder to play against 10 men than 11.

The 10 man team usually make little attempt to attack and pack the area with bodies in an attempt to restrict the damage. United are one of the teams who specialise in counter attacking teams that come out at them.

When a team then chose to stonewall it makes a huge difference to the way you have to approach the game.:)

Jim.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

yes Young dived and what is annoying about this is the ref gave this for a so called push. If you get pushed in the back how exactly are you then supposed to jump in the air and spin round before falling over ? How come outside of a football pitch this is the only area on earth where we are meant to believe that is a natural reaction.

I've said before the game earns billions and did last weekend, until that changes I can't see the FA, FIFA etc bothering to look into this

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Seems like Arsenal are getting rid of one of their injury prone defenders.

http://www.clubcall.com/arsenal/gunn...ce=twitterfeed

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

It was only a matter of time if you ask me.

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Well l think the crux of the matter is one he was not good enough but perhaps the other reason that he might leave is he might be simply homesick and wants to get back to his homeland.

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First of all he is pretty decent, our third best defender. Also that link is unsourced nonsense. I'ld support it if it was a way to shift players off the wage bill and bring in Vertonghen but otherwise it would be an absurd move. He is a calm, smart defender who tackles cleanly and gives us height on corners.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I cant see Mert leaving. Theres a whole load of players that need to be shifted that add no real great depth at all whereas this guy does. Something I do worry about is what his salary is and whether its too high.

Damien we've got Sqid leaving and may be Djourou. Vertonghen should come in regardless of Mert. Bartley coming back from Rangers and featuring isnt guaranteed and Miquel should be loaned out.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Looking good for Arsenal this afternoon.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

yes Norwich winning and rightly so.

whats up with the officials?! incompetent bunch!

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

l have no confidence in PL officials full stop as we seem to have one bad decision after another.:td::(

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

and as we slate.. the ref that took charge of the Chelsea v Wigan fixture wont official Blackburn v Liverpool tomorrow... what about the linesmen? dont they get pulled?

---------- Post added at 16:54 ---------- Previous post was at 16:36 ----------

not sure whether thats because of poor decisions or this...

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news...cle888451.html

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Well Spurs have well and truly got themselves in a battle now.

Newcastle already moving level on points and Chelsea to have a shot at that tonight and assuming they win they should move ahead of Spurs on Goal difference.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Liverpool are in danger of falling further down the league

And the game at the weekend has just got even more interesting :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

i honestly think youll grab 4th adz. Chelsea have tough fixtures and Tottenham have hit the wall.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

l think Chelsea will sneak that 4th spot thenry.:)

---------- Post added at 17:02 ---------- Previous post was at 17:01 ----------

What game is that old chap.:D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think we need Fulham to get some points of Chelsea, they have gained some momentum without actually improving thanks to the calabre of the opposition and the referees. Killing that dead would be nice, I am hoping to reduce the damage a win for Chelsea at Arsenal would do.

We're still really far from Champions League at the moment. We need to win at Wolves and against Wigan and hope Newcastle drop some points.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Having just watched the goals...Everton look good (Denphone beware :D), and Ben Arfa goal was good...but not that great...the defence was a bit clumsy..let him run through

Cisse still looks great, even with a tap in..I fancy Newcastle keeping the run going

And i only saw the 2nd half of Tottenham game (forgot about the football)..but they look a beaten side..i see them dropping more points

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

:shocked: Chelsea will get destroyed, the fixture list they have is extremely hard.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Newcastle's is even harder but still. I am not taking anything for granted right now. Would probably still bite your hand off for forth if it was offered to me right now. We're only 2 points away from Newcastle albeit with a game in hand.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Mmmmmmmmmmmm.:D:eeek::bigcry:

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

no it isnt. Newcastles is do-able easier than Chelsea upcoming fixtures which will take a lot out of them. Tottenhams is slippery. I reckon all 3 will drop points but Newcastle are in the better position with their squad.

Arsenal should be fine for 3rd as long as Wenger doesnt play Ramsey in the free role and Gervinho on current clueless form. Id rather him play Yossi who puts in a shift.. same with Ox.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Newcastle have away to Chelsea, City and away to Everton as the last three games of the season.

We'll see. The team has a tendency to just lose it. See the first leg against Milan and the away games to Fulham and QPR, just a complete lack of effort. I don't think it's Wenger's fault. If we reach 3rd or even 4th after this season then it's a great achievement for Wenger.

I am not against the team or anything but just not taking a single point for granted. At the moment I am just concerned about our game Wednesday, we can't afford to drop points. It's too tight and the narrative can shift in a couple of games. Seriously, a couple of games and we could be 6th. We still have Chelsea and Stoke away. We need to get six points from Wolves and Wigan then assess the consequences of the Chelsea game.

Spurs and City should serve as examples of what can happen in less than a month in Football. It's not over until it's mathematically over or at least unimaginably difficult. There are still a good number of games to go.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

i agree.

I haven't discounted Arsenal catching Man City...and won't feel safe until Man City are mathematically safe..or I should say..arithmetically safe :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Damien Wenger played Ramsey in the free role against QPR. I dont know what his problem is but hes fixated on Rambo. Firstly the guys been overplayed. Secondly he isnt an all out attacker, in my opinion hes the sort of player that fits inbetween the holder and all out attacker.

Chelsea have Terry out and Ivanovic looking set for a ban if proven. Ivanovic have been key in their turnaround. with upcoming fixtures and limbo tbeir in they could very easily get done over.

I dont trust City now. They could very easily fold not only because of the title but with the manager situation. one sniff of an upcoming sacking and thats them done. although highly unlikely; Arsenal taking 2nd.. it doesnt mean we cant get close.

Newcastle could very easily beat Chelsea and City.

Tottenham have tough fixtures.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Its whether Newcastle beat Chelsea and City that will likely decide if they are going to be playing Champions league football next year or not.

If City feel the Title is over then that bumps our chances. Chelsea however will be fighting us all the way to Europe.

If Chelsea were to get anything but 3 points tonight you could well throw one of those games above out the window

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Also depends how Arsenal and Spurs do...

---------- Post added at 20:51 ---------- Previous post was at 19:09 ----------

Chelsea score....

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Dempsey levels it. Thats more dropped point and it doesnt get any easier now for Chelsea.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Phew! Relief. I was really worried there. Their next game is Arsenal believe it or not, yet's make sure we're even further ahead. Then beating them would mean they can't overtake us and we need only be worried about Newcastle.

(Unless Spurs beat us to third and Cheski win the Champions League!)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Chelsea play Tottenham next then Barca then us

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I mean next league fixture.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

You keep worrying too much Damien as you will have a heart attack in a minute so just keep doing the yoga in these times of stress.:D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Blackburn V Liverpool

I am looking forward to this tonight, and just as a little bit of information....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17594143

Maybe they will put that right tonight

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

And maybe not :D

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Lets hope so.:)

---------- Post added at 16:00 ---------- Previous post was at 16:00 ----------

Pessimist.:D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Realist.:D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Good luck Liverpool

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

If any team deserves some good luck its Wigan, the referees head honcho has apologised to them for incompetent officials for the third time this season.:rolleyes:

Lets hope it starts to turn round after Wednesday.;)

Jim.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Thank you kindly.:)

---------- Post added at 20:14 ---------- Previous post was at 20:01 ----------

Yes.:cleader:

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Yes? 10 men :|

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

We can always bring you on as a sub young Colin.:D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I might be better than Carol..Carroll :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

A 50 million transfer fee awaits.:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I am happy to state, I am not worth 50 million...50p maybe :D

---------- Post added at 21:27 ---------- Previous post was at 21:21 ----------

The keeper for the weekend...will be Brad Jones...must weaken Liverpool...no?

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Lolerpool

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

l am sure there is a spelling mistake in there somewhere.:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Or maybe not :D

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looks like these highlights are going to be interesting

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think commentators are right, probably was a yellow for the foul by the keeper, given it was going away from goal. But could have been much worse.

Flanagan should have had 2 yellows

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

A Carroll winner, you couldn't script it

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You can come out from behind the sofa now Den !

Anyone else here put the hands over their eyes when DogLeash is being interviewed?
The guy needs to realise that they pay him and his club wages.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Alan Davies made a good point about him (amongst others), that in every interview he gives he looks like he wants to headbutt the interviewer...

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

DogLeash :LOL: relax Liverpool supporters.. Wengers been called much worse.

Den has imploded Carol scored.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Payback time.:sniper:

---------- Post added at 05:48 ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 ----------

:disturbd:

---------- Post added at 05:49 ---------- Previous post was at 05:48 ----------

:bigcry::bigcry:

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

lol...one goal does not make a great player. If Carroll scores on Saturday, then he just starts justifying some of his price :)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Do l sense someone back tracking again from your previous comments.:D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

nope...Carroll is not worth 50m...but can't deny he is worth more than me...:D

---------- Post added at 08:26 ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 ----------

And i still favour Everton for weekend :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Wigan V United tonight

I hope he doesn't, the games usually end up to close for comfort, plus Wigan beat Liverpool (sorry Den)

Ah the team news just in

Wigan
26 Al Habsi
03 Alcaraz
05 Caldwell
17 Boyce
31 Figueroa
04 McCarthy
10 Maloney
11 Moses
16 McArthur
22 Beausejour
09 Di Santo
Substitutes
12 Pollitt
23 Stam
07 Crusat
08 Watson
14 Gomez
21 Diame
18 Sammon


Man Utd
01 De Gea
03 Evra
04 Jones
05 Ferdinand
06 Evans
11 Giggs
16 Carrick
18 Young
25 Valencia
10 Rooney
14 Hernandez
Substitutes
40 Amos
12 Smalling
13 Park Ji-sung
17 Nani
23 Cleverley
42 Pogba
19 Welbeck

Ref: Dowd

He hasn't tinkered :) apart from leaving Scholes out.
West Brom to get a result at City is too much of an ask I reckon

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17606942

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Thats quite okay Yesman.:D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Keeping a close eye on the Arsenal match for obvious reasons. We'd need Arsenal to slip up tonight and the next league fixture to overtake them realistically assuming we beat stoke and spurs fail to win.

It's unlikely Arsenal will slip but with spurs I'm feeling confident. All this 3rd and 4th place is giving me a headache!

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

your making life harder for yourself.. focus on Tottenham and Chelsea Adz

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

l have to agree with your sentiment for once big man.:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Yup, one game at a time :D