I have a theory that teams have about a 2-3 year window of building to their peak and playing at their peak until injuries, luck, teams figuring them out results in a drop, forcing a refresh of the team. Liverpool from 17/18 through 19/20 is a clear example, but i think you've seen it with City as well with their 82 point season in 19/20 and we are seeing both City and Arsenal be in the downside of their cycle, while Liverpool is currently 12 months into building to their peak. City still has enough to be dangerous and their floor is still pretty high, but with Rodri out, KDB nowhere near fit and looking every bit of 34, no one other than Haaland looking like they can score, and Pep seeming drained, I think they'll do extremely well to get more than 85 points. Opta has their expected points currently at 83.25 and that seems about right. As for Arsenal, well, we've all been there believing the delusion things are going to turn your way in the next game and you are going to start an incredible run while the sides you are up against finally get found out because of the weaknesses you see (but you vastly over value). Unfortunately we also know the story that when its been this much of a struggle and you are already this far behind, you never really had a chance. Their title hopes are done. They might as well put their efforts into winning some cups or the CL ( )
The only reason I'm discounting Arsenal is because I think the are tired / annoyed with Arteta. He's Pep-lite - so that means micromanaging and just being annoying in general. I think some of the team just isn't listening. However - Dcc - I'm not fully writing them off just yet. We have a very tricky December - table could be very tight by the end of the month.
The largest points comeback is 12 and they aren't Fergie's Utd and neither us or City are Keegan's Newcastle. After that its 8 and mostly happened with the caveat of the trailing team had games in hand. They are likely to improve, but their squad clearly isn't deep enough and they just have a loser mentality. Chasing City for a couple years just wears on you and at a certain point things start to crack. They can afford to drop 10 more points if they want to get to 90 Can it be done? I guess it could, but league seems strong this year and winning on the road is more difficult, so I just can't see them getting there. I guess they would have a better chance if the winning total is in the low 80s, but Liverpool currently look more than capable of more than 85 points and they poses the experience of knowing how to win the league. So while injuries may derail Liverpool's season and it could all go wrong, all the evidence so far points to it being Liverpool's title to lose and we shouldn't be afraid to say that. You are right, the next month is going to tell. Nice to have the distraction.
the other thing with Arteta is that he's in a perpetual bad mood - about something or other. even when they win he comes across as a sourpuss. must be draining to work for someone like that, plus I can't believe every player they have is happy with the nonstop shithousery he insists on. edit: why are so many Spanish/Latin managers so incredibly annoyed/annoying? they seems to have both terrible personalities and outlook on the game.
He's Pep-lite but with the instincts of a Rafa/Mourinho - we must nullify our opponent instead of bend them to our will. As a top level player I'd be annoyed as h*ll being asked to grind results via dour football against any team that even somewhat approaches our ability.
There have been 6 teams 5 points or more clear at this stage. 5 of them won the title. We’re the 6th.
not going to even start thinking of the EPL title until game 30... We've been here (or close to it) before. Let's see if we can add another midfielder (Tschoumeni anyone?) in Jan, and see what happens with TAA. If he goes over the Jan window (unlikely), I'd be open to bringing in another FB, potentially who can play on both sides of the field if necessary. Although, probably Gomez would see a lot more field time if we didn't do that but still lost TAA.
This Liverpool side are a few injuries from finishing 3rd IMO... so I'm not getting that excited at all. But then again I'm a realist/pessimist. It's objectively been a tremendous start to the season, do not get me wrong. Slot has answered every question asked of him so far. But in terms of the title? It's early November. Talk to me after tests against Madrid & City. 6 points from that... you could probably get me excited.
As we’ve seen, every side is susceptible to a couple injuries including Liverpool. It’s going to continue for both Arse and Shitty given their profile over the past couple years. I didn’t know what to expect from Slot and I’ve been impressed. If this is the last hurrah for the big 3, let’s go out in style. We’ve got just as good - if not better chance - than any.
interesting .... https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/nov/18/kylian-mbappe-real-madrid-france Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid career is in danger of wasting everyone’s time
god almighty .... https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/nov/18/statue-harry-kane-unveiled-after-storage
Looks nothing like him. Why do all attempts to make a statue of a football player all go so horribly wrong???
What a f.ucking asshole. It’s looking more and more likely that FIFA’s CWC isn’t going to happen. But what a complete and utter screwup they've made so far. Almost defies belief. Almost, but then you have to remind yourself it’s FIFA. The absolute best bit? The trophy - the greatest ever, the best - has Infantino’s name engraved on it. Twice. What a f.ucking asshole.
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...anni-infantino-fifa-tournament-expansion-2025 The ‘mistake’ that is Fifa’s Club World Cup looms large. But will it even happen? Sponsors and broadcasters are biding their time while the players’ union has filed a lawsuit over plans for 2025 event
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42527744/pep-guardiola-signs-manchester-city-extension-2027 2 more seasons. Then what?
LOL Senior figures at Manchester United are having serious doubts about Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee, 23, after a poor return since his £36.5m summer move from Bologna. (Manchester Evening News) they're not the only ones having serious doubts. he looks like a Sunday League player - after a heavy Saturday night.