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Offline asylumseeker

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1920 on: January 01, 2020, 08:33:22 AM »
Didn't see Chelsea today. Any better?

Offline lefty

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1921 on: January 01, 2020, 10:09:59 AM »
Didn't see Chelsea today. Any better?
inconsistency continues, their nerves comes and goes, but usually dais not ah issue away, not today though they faltered a bit pressed well but didn't urn it into more goals then Brighton grew into it and equalized. to be fair dat bicycle ketch everybody
I pity the fool....

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1922 on: January 19, 2020, 11:23:46 AM »
What a blazing🔥1st. half between Liverpool and Man United!

Offline Cocorite

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1923 on: January 19, 2020, 11:26:07 AM »
Yeah but the ref might as well wear a Poole Jersey
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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1924 on: February 02, 2020, 11:15:30 AM »
The VAR protocol needs to be reviewed in the off-season.

Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1925 on: February 10, 2020, 12:10:34 PM »
Net spend for Premier League top six, European giants revealed
Joe Prince-Wright (NBC Sports).


Net spend is so often a topic debated by fans and the focus is on the Premier League’s top six and European giants when it comes to who has spent and made the most cash over the last two transfer window.

The guys over at the CIES Football Observatory have focused on just that with their wonderful graphics which look at the money spent and acquired in terms of transfer fees.

When you focus on the Premier League’s top six there is a clear winner in terms of net spend but it is slightly skewed as Chelsea weren’t allowed to spend over the 2019 summer window due to their transfer ban.

Chelsea made $223.7 million, while Liverpool were way behind in second as they made $19.6 million. None of their other traditional ‘top six’ teams made a profit over the last two windows with Man City spending $88 million, Arsenal spending $92.7 million, Tottenham spending $153 million and Man United the biggest net spenders of the English powerhouses at $164 million.

However, the biggest net spending team in the Premier League over the last 12 months is… Aston Villa. The newly-promoted side have spent $184.4 million on new players as Dean Smith has totally overhauled his squad. It makes sense when you actually think about it but to see Villa’s name ahead of Barcelona and only behind Real Madrid in the list of the biggest net-spending teams in Europe is a shock.

Below are the positive and negative balances (prices are in Euros) for teams from Europe, with Chelsea, Benfica, Ajax, Sporting Lisbon and RB Salzburg leading the way.

As for the biggest spenders, Real Madrid, Aston Villa (!), Barcelona, Man United and Tottenham are top of that category.





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Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1926 on: March 25, 2020, 01:23:30 PM »
Premier League stars launch Football United campaign to help local communities
By Jim van Wijk, PA
PA Media: Sport


England striker Callum Wilson and Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin are among a group of Premier League players to launch the #FootballUnited initiative, which aims to raise money for local communities impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chelsea defender Reece James and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend have also signed up to the campaign, which has a target of at least £100,000.

The proceeds will be collected by the National Emergencies Trust, with the money used to support elderly and vulnerable people affected by Covid-19, which has brought football on the pitch to a halt.

The campaign is being coordinated by Unique Sports Management, and a joint statement on behalf of the players involved read: “Football has such a big role to play in communities and our clubs are a huge part of people’s lives.

“Without football, we want to put our rivalries aside and show togetherness at such a critical moment for the country.

“These are uncertain times for communities, but as players we want to show some recognition for the incredible work that is being done for the most vulnerable.

“There are so many people at home who are afraid, alone and without full-time care.

“With the nation’s help, we can show our support to the many volunteers and organisations who need funds to make sure vital food and medicine supplies will continue to be delivered during the crisis.

“As players we would love nothing more than to be out there playing in front of packed stadiums again, but that can wait – the most important thing right now is the future of the country and #FootballUnited is our way of showing some community spirit.”

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, meanwhile, has donated £10,000 to the Help Them Help Us appeal fund, which is looking into coronavirus research, setting up a 24/7 national psychological support service as well as ways to boost personal protective equipment for National Health Service workers during the pandemic.

The Coronavirus pandemic continues to impact cities all over the world, with millions of sports fans, old and young, advised to stay at home.

Manchester City have launched a programme of weekly phone calls to their elderly supporters. The club said in a statement the service would provide “a point of contact and a friendly voice to speak to over the coming weeks”.

Neymar Jr. Comics, backed by the Paris St Germain and Brazil forward, announced the entire library of more than 200 individual episodes across all titles of the comic and graphic novels, which are produced in different languages, will be made available free to view for the duration of the crisis.

Closer to home, former world light-welterweight champion Amir Khan has offered his newly-refurbished wedding venue to the NHS as medics battle to deal with the pandemic across the United Kingdom.

Khan has spent a reported £5million on redeveloping the 60,000 square foot venue in his home town of Bolton ahead of its scheduled opening this summer, but is now ready to hand over the keys.

Premier League club Brighton have decided to donate 1,000 tickets for future matches to frontline NHS workers and their families, with Bournemouth also investigating an initiative to pledge match tickets to key workers during the 2020/21 season.

West Ham have launched #HammersAtHome, a new online community initiative offering “support, assistance and regular interaction with the club’s fans” during the current crisis.

Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul would have been expecting to face Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend and be helping the Canaries’ on-going battle for Premier League survival.

The Dutchman has joined many players who are supporting club efforts to keep in touch with older fans and check on their wellbeing.

“I spoke to a lovely lady yesterday, she has her 94th birthday today. She didn’t have any milk, any bread and she was scared to leave the house,” Krul said on BBC Radio Norfolk.

“(It turned out) she was living six houses down the road from me, so it ended up being an amazing call… I was able to get some stuff to her.”

UFC star Conor McGregor has purchased 1million euros (£0.91m) of personal protective equipment to be sent to hospitals in Leinster, Ireland to aid in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

The 31-year-old Mixed Martial Arts fighter had earlier made a plea for a total lockdown to help slow the infection rate.

McGregor posted his reply to a Twitter exchange with Ireland’s Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe.

“Where we would be without these brave men and women, I do not know,” the ‘Notorious’ wrote.

“May God bless over them and keep them safe. We need more units on the street to enforce this lockdown Paschal. It has been too lax!”

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1927 on: April 09, 2020, 12:03:15 PM »
Premier League best XI: Ronaldo, Vieira, Lampard, but no Henry
Mark Ogden
Senior Writer, ESPN FC


Selecting an all-time best Premier League XI sounds easy, right? Over 28 seasons, since the competition began in 1992-93, there have been a host of world-class players and record-breaking achievements, as well as plenty of stars who have either shone briefly or others who have performed at the top for almost two decades.

Some have amassed a huge medal collection, others have won nothing, or won everything except the Premier League itself. Six clubs have lifted the Premier League trophy -- Manchester United lead the way with 13 titles -- and within all of those teams, there have been players who made themselves indispensable and became Premier League legends.

But only 11 can make a team, and some seriously great players won't make the cut. You can be certain that everybody will end with a different all-star XI, but here goes in a 4-1-2-3 formation.

GK: PETER SCHMEICHEL

Perhaps the easiest selection of them all. The likes of Petr Cech, David Seaman and Edwin van der Sar were huge figures during the Premier League era -- providing the foundation for a series of title wins for Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United respectively -- but none of them were as influential as Schmeichel at United.

The Dane was as crucial to United's dominance of the 1990s as Eric Cantona and Roy Keane, making as many match-winning or match-saving contributions as any of his teammates. He could throw the ball with pinpoint accuracy as far as he could kick it, and he intimidated opposition forwards with his presence and agility.

Schmeichel won five Premier Leagues, three FA Cups and a Champions League with United. No other keeper comes close.

RB: GARY NEVILLE

This was a tough one. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is developing into one of the leading right-backs in the world at Anfield and the 20-year-old could yet become the best the Premier League has seen, but in terms of reliability, durability, longevity and success, Neville has to be the selection. The former Manchester United captain made his debut as a 17-year-old in September 1992 and played his final game in January 2011, making 602 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's team, winning 17 major honours including eight Premier League titles.

Defensively, Neville was a classic full-back, but he could also overlap and contribute going forward, albeit without the spectacular number of assists that Alexander-Arnold produces for Liverpool. If you want a full-back to make defending a priority, Neville remains the best.

CB: RIO FERDINAND

There have been many outstanding centre-backs during the Premier League era, with Virgil van Dijk maintaining that tradition in the present day with Liverpool. So why does Ferdinand get the nod ahead of Van Dijk, Vincent Kompany, Sol Campbell, Ricardo Carvalho and the rest?

The injury problems in the final years of Ferdinand's career have perhaps clouded the true picture of the former West Ham, Leeds and Manchester United defender. He had everything: pace, athleticism, the ability to burst out of defence with the ball, leadership skills and an underestimated toughness. He also won six Premier League titles and a Champions League; ultimately his medal tally should silence any doubters.

CB: JOHN TERRY

The best centre-back partnerships require a blend of silk and steel, and Terry was as tough as they come in the mould of defensive warriors. Nemanja Vidic, Jaap Stam, Martin Keown and Tony Adams could all fill this slot, but none of them can match Terry for longevity, with the former Chelsea captain performing for 19 seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Terry was brave to the point of recklessness, putting his head and body on the line, seemingly ignorant of the risks to his physical well-being when trying to keep the ball out of the Chelsea net. But as tough as he undoubtedly was, Terry was a great defender who could read the game as well as anyone. He was rewarded for his never-say-die attitude with five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups and a medal for winning the Champions League in 2012, despite being suspended for Chelsea's win against Bayern Munich in the final.

LB: ASHLEY COLE

There have been three great left-backs in the Premier League era -- Denis Irwin, Cole and Patrice Evra -- but the Arsenal and Chelsea defender gets the nod ahead of his two rivals from Manchester United.

Liverpool's Andy Robertson may yet join the elite left-back club, but for Cole to edge out Irwin and Evra highlights the contribution he made to two great title-winning teams at Arsenal and Chelsea.

Cole was quick, tough and as comfortable going forward as he was defensively, where he rarely lost out to a winger. Ask Cristiano Ronaldo for his toughest opponent and Cole won't be far from the top of his list. He won two Premier Leagues and three FA Cups with Arsenal before adding another title and four more FA Cups at Chelsea, plus a Champions League and Europa League.

DM: ROY KEANE

Manchester United's captain during the most successful period in the club's history, Keane was the driving force of the team that dominated the football landscape for the best part of a decade.

Keane could do everything. He could tackle, score, create, inspire and intimidate. The image of the Irishman as a snarling ball of fury is not misplaced, but it can too often overshadow the reality of Keane as a player. During the peak years of United's rivalry with Arsenal during the late-1990s and early-2000s, Keane's midfield collisions with Patrick Vieira became epic encounters, with the two men defining an era. He won 13 major honours, including seven Premier League titles, during a 12-year spell at Old Trafford in which strode the stage like a Colossus.

MF: PATRICK VIEIRA

Some might argue that you cannot combine Vieira with Keane in midfield due to their similarities, but Keane's defensive discipline and ability to control the tempo of a game would dovetail perfectly with Vieira's box-to-box energy and attacking qualities.

Admirers of Steven Gerrard may feel that the former Liverpool captain deserves to be in any best-ever Premier League team, but as inspirational as he was, he could not claim a place ahead of Keane or Vieira.

Vieira had everything, and his impact at Arsenal can be measured by their lack of success since his departure in 2005, following nine fantastic years at the club. The Frenchman was the heartbeat of Arsene Wenger's 2004 Invincibles, but he was just as influential in their title successes in 1998 and 2002. A true Premier League great.

MF: FRANK LAMPARD

Perhaps the toughest pick of them all. With one midfield slot remaining, how do you leave out Gerrard, Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Scholes, David Beckham or David Silva? All would merit selection, but if you select one of those, you would have to leave out Lampard, and that would be overlooking his importance to the great Chelsea side built by Jose Mourinho.

Aside from the 11 major honours he won at Stamford Bridge, Lampard scored an incredible 177 goals from midfield during a Premier League career with West Ham, Chelsea and Manchester City -- more than the likes of Thierry Henry, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, who were all strikers.

His inability to gel successfully with Gerrard on the international stage with England tends to be the defining factor when Lampard is judged, but look at his medals and goals to get a fairer reflection of his quality.

CF: ALAN SHEARER

Shearer is quite simply the greatest goal scorer the Premier League has ever seen. He sits at the top of the scoring charts with 260 Premier League goals for Blackburn and Newcastle -- Wayne Rooney is second with 208 -- despite missing the best part of two seasons with serious knee and ankle injuries during the 1990s. And if you factor in the 23 top division goals Shearer scored for Southampton prior to the start of the Premier League in 1992, his strike rate looks even more impressive.

Shearer was the complete centre-forward. Physically, he could beat any defender and his goals came from close range, outside the box, from the penalty spot, and with his head, which is why he broke the British transfer record twice when signing for Blackburn (£3.6m in 1992) and Newcastle (£15m in 1996).

He may only have won one Premier League title, with Blackburn, but nobody comes close to matching Shearer as a Premier League goal scorer.

RF: SERGIO AGUERO

If Shearer is the obvious selection up-front, sifting the best from the rest is an almost impossible task. Just consider the options: Henry, Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andy Cole, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Luis Suarez.

But one striker who tops them all is Aguero. The Manchester City forward surpassed Henry as the highest-scoring foreign striker in the Premier League this season, moving onto 180 goals, and he could yet become only the third player break the 200 barrier after Shearer and Rooney.

Aguero has won more for City than Henry won for Arsenal, and has now outscored him, so how can the Argentine be left out? And to seal his selection, Aguero can also claim to have scored the most memorable goal ever scored in the Premier League, with his title decider against QPR in 2012. With Shearer deployed as the centre-forward, Aguero would have to accept a role on the right of a front three, but his evolution under Pep Guardiola at City ensures he would still be a threat, wherever he plays in the front line.

LF: CRISTIANO RONALDO

The Premier League did not see the best of Ronaldo, but in six seasons at Manchester United, the Portuguese forward still left a lasting impact on English football before taking his career into the stratosphere with Real Madrid.

During Ronaldo's final three seasons at Old Trafford, United won three successive Premier League titles and reached two Champions League final -- winning one and losing the other -- and he was Ferguson's talisman.

In 2007-08, when United won the Premier League and Champions League, Ronaldo gave a glimpse of what was to come later in his career by scoring a remarkable 42 goals in 49 games. Henry and a young Ryan Giggs could also claim the slot on the left of a front three, but not ahead of Ronaldo.

MANAGER: SIR ALEX FERGUSON

The Premier League has seen some outstanding coaches and managers, with Wenger, Mourinho and Guardiola all building winning empires while Jurgen Klopp may be on course to doing the same at Liverpool. But no manager is in the same league as Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and 13 cups during his 27-year reign as manager.

Ferguson built a series of successful teams and saw off all managerial rivals. His only challenge with this team would be picking a captain.

SUBSTITUTES: Petr Cech, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Vincent Kompany, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Eden Hazard, Thierry Henry.



The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Tiresais

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1928 on: April 09, 2020, 04:01:09 PM »
That team all sorts of shit. No Gerrard even on the bench? Henry was a better player than Shearer, although they are different beasts. Gerrard was better than Lampard IMO. Ronaldo wasn't that good when he was here - I get he's a world beater now, but he was replacable when he left Man Utd

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1929 on: April 10, 2020, 03:56:27 AM »
Yeah, I'm not sold on that squad, but it sells.

Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1930 on: April 22, 2020, 01:50:31 PM »
Newcastle set to become the Premier League titan they have long threatened to be
Ryan Bailey
Yahoo Sports


They have had more botched takeovers than you’ve had hot meals, but Newcastle United appear to be in the home straight in their quest for new ownership.

British retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley has owned the Magpies since 2007, but has failed to develop a rapport with the Geordie faithful, due to a lack of investment into the team that has led to more relegations than successes.

Fans feel that he cares more about his controversial retail empire, and that he does not understand the club or its people. The supporters in the North East of England even resent the fact that he, and the people he put in charge at the club, are from the South of England. (Just like the north distrusts the elite south in “Game of Thrones,” the Geordies refer to their unpopular owner and his ilk as the “cockney mafia.”)

The perennially abhorred Ashley has tried to unload the club on several occasions, coming close to sealing an agreement with the Abu Dhabi ruling family last summer.

Ashley is undoubtedly one of the least popular owners in the game, but his unpopularity is likely to be eclipsed by the majority stakeholder in the Toon’s latest $375 million takeover deal.

If the deal goes through, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia will hold an 80 percent stake in the club, with 10 percent ownership going to financier Amanda Staveley and multi-billionaire real estate investors David and Simon Reuben.

Due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record and multiple breaches of international law, their investment in Newcastle puts the hatred of Ashley into a new perspective. (After all, for his faults, the famously reclusive businessman has never committed a genocide in Yemen or murdered a journalist with a bone saw.)

Accordingly, Amnesty International condemned the takeover, in what may be seen as the legitimization of a murderous regime. It is completely reasonable to be concerned about the slow creep of soft power and illicit wealth into top-tier soccer — but it is also important to note that we as soccer fans have long been complicit in this unedifying charade.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain fans are among those who enjoy the spoils of a team funded by ethically dubious sources. And in all the noise around the Newcastle takeover, it seems to have been forgotten that the Premier League already has a Saudi-backed team: Sheffield United are fully owned by Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Italian and Spanish Super Cups are held in Saudi Arabia, along with major boxing events and proposed Formula 1 races. This does not make Newcastle’s takeover any less controversial, but it suggests that it is possible for Newcastle fans to simultaneously couple a sense of concern with excitement for the future.

The change of ownership will make Newcastle the richest team in the Premier League — the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is worth a reported $393 billion — which gives them the potential to become the titan they have always threatened to be.

Newcastle is a one-team town, whose fans fill the 52,000-capacity St. James’ Park rain or shine, Premier League or Championship. The stadium is frequently cited as having the best atmosphere in the Premier League, but the incredible match-day experience stands in stark contrast to the team’s success.

The Magpies have not won a major trophy since the 1955 FA Cup.

They came closest to glory in the mid-90s, when they were within touching distance of winning the Premier League. In 1995-96, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle side held a 12-point lead over rivals Manchester United by January, but still managed to finish second. Keegan’s unravelling was famously captured in a post-match interview, in which he proclaimed: “I’d love it if we beat them!”

Newcastle responded by breaking the world transfer record for hometown hero Alan Shearer in the following summer — for a £15 million (roughly $18.4 million) fee that seems quaint by today’s standards — but only managed to finish runner-up once again in 1996-97.

The Magpies’ greatest dalliance with continental glory came in the 1997-98 season, where they defeated a Barcelona side featuring Luis Figo, Rivaldo and Luis Enrique, courtesy of a Faustino Asprilla hat trick.

In the last two decades, however, the pickings have been slim when it comes to success. In Ashley’s 13 seasons at the helm, the club has only finished in the top half of the table twice. They have also been relegated twice — an unfathomable embarrassment for a club of their size.

Given the size of their fanbase and their stature in the modern game, Newcastle are easily the biggest underachievers in soccer. Many vaunted European sides bat below their average, but none come close to the Magpies.

But that script may be destined to change in the coming seasons.

With a considerable cash injection, at a time when rivals may be struggling to balance the books, Newcastle could invest in the kind of players who could live up to the tremendous roar that emanates from the Gallowgate on match days. Think Kylian Mbappe, rather than Joelinton.

Of course, it is possible that Newcastle’s new owners will hold the purse strings as tight as Ashley. After all, Sheffield United’s Saudi owners have not flooded the club with money, while Queens Park Rangers weren’t exactly Champions League contenders when they were majority-owned by Lakshmi Mittal, one of the richest people in the world.

But it is now possible for Newcastle to fulfill their destiny as a European contender. They can finally reward their long-suffering fanbase with the level of soccer that their unwavering passion deserves.

Perhaps the Premier League Big Six could become a Big Seven. Juventus may not be the only Champions League regulars in black and white. And the Premier League trophy might be engraved with a new name.

Newcastle will continue to receive bad press for welcoming Saudi money — and perhaps rightly so. But recent history has taught us that soccer fans are willing to overlook the involvement of dubious owners, poorly behaved players or unethically sourced financial resources if it equates to success.

In the modern game, it is impossible for any team to gain a seat at the top table of European soccer, among the “heritage teams,” without a large injection of cash. Newcastle already has the fanbase and infrastructure required to dine at that table, and if the takeover goes through, they will also be able to pay the check.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1931 on: April 29, 2020, 09:13:05 AM »
'I'm still waiting for my commission!' - Berbatov reveals part he played in Martial's transfer to Man Utd
Goal.com


Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that Manchester United asked him for his opinion on Anthony Martial before signing the striker from Monaco in the summer of 2015.

Martial arrived at Old Trafford at the start of Louis van Gaal's second season in charge, completing an initial £36 million ($45m) switch from Stade Louis II.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when United forked out such a large fee for a relatively unknown 19-year-old, but he quickly silenced all doubters to emerge as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.

Martial scored a stunning goal on his debut against Liverpool, and went on finish the 2015-16 campaign as United's top scorer.

Fast forward four years, and the France international has 208 appearances to his name for the Red Devils, along with 64 goals, and he is now the first choice frontman in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting XI.

Berbatov witnessed Martial's unique abilities up close at Monaco, and says he played a key role in the deal which saw him move to Manchester.

The ex-United centre forward told Talksport: "The United head scout called me, he was like: 'Berbs, we are looking at this kid Martial and wanted to ask what you think.'

"I told him this boy is unbelievable, the things he can do. He can be a great player, he just needs someone to guide him on the pitch. Of course, I'm still waiting for my commission!"

Martial has hit 16 goals in 34 outings for United in all competitions in 2019-20, having been trusted by Solskjaer to lead the line following Romelu Lukaku's departure to Inter last summer.

The 24-year-old overcame some early-season injury problems before marking his return to the first team with the all-important winning goal against Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League back in October.

Berbatov spoke out on Martial's fitness woes and confidence issues after that match, insisting it was vital for United to make sure that the Frenchman stays fresh for the remainder of the campaign.

"In the case of Martial, to get going again and get a goal will give him even more confidence, especially for a striker," said the ex-United No.9.

"But like any other player, the most important thing now is to stay fit, know when to push hard and slowdown in training because when you have so many games you need to know when to save your energy. The last thing he and the club needs is to pick up another injury."

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1932 on: April 29, 2020, 02:08:17 PM »
Why playing the remaining Premier League games might not be the fairest solution
Ryan Bailey
Yahoo Sports


Just over six weeks ago, the COVID-19 outbreak hit the Premier League head-on when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus. Soon after, all other English top-flight games were suspended.

The Gunners were also the first Premier League club to return to training on Monday. Despite applying strict social distancing measures, there is a fear that such an early return could jeopardize plans to finish the 2019-20 season.

France’s decision to cancel the remainder of the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 seasons casts further uncertainty on the EPL’s intentions. If no sporting events will be held in France before September, does it make sense to resume them right across the English Channel?

Maybe not, but it remains desirable, at least. Not only will it relieve the financial concerns of failing to fulfill TV broadcast contracts, but it will provide some much-needed entertainment for the increasingly frustrated and housebound masses.

Another notion has arisen, especially amid the fallout of the Eredivise cancellation: It’s crucial to finish the Premier League campaign for the sake of the league’s integrity.

Logic dictates that the fairest way to conclude the season — to crown a champion and decide the relegation candidates — is to play out the remaining game weeks. Hence, teams are planning to return to training, and contingencies are being set for matches to be played in a centralized location, behind closed doors.

Upon first glance, finishing all 38 rounds of the Premier League season seems like the fairest solution in these circumstances. But unfortunately, it’s wrought with issues.

To borrow from American football parlance, one of the key problems pertains to “strength of schedule.” Some teams have played more difficult schedules than others — and this would be fine, under normal circumstances. However, when the remaining games are likely to be played in a neutral location with no home support, the playing field is no longer level for everyone.

Bournemouth, for example, sit in 18th place and were scheduled to have three away matches at teams currently residing in the top six. Watford, who are one place above Bournemouth and equal on points, had no more remaining away games at top six sides. Hence, Watford have already played more difficult away trips, while Bournemouth might have an unfair advantage as their daunting road matches are now held in a neutral location, without a partisan crowd willing them to fail.

Furthermore, Aston Villa, who are 19th with two fewer points than both Bournemouth and Watford, have also played one less game than both clubs. Is it fair that they must play that extra game in the strange confines of an empty stadium? On the flip side of the coin, Aston Villa’s relegation opponents have had to face Liverpool away this season, which they are unlikely to do for their presumed game against the champions-elect.

Another issue stems from player contracts. Traditionally, European contracts run until June 30 — and any Premier League conclusion will now run past that date. FIFA have expressed a desire to extend those contracts, but it doesn’t mean the players, or their representatives, will have to accept them.

Take Liverpool’s Adam Lallana, for example, who may have one big contract left in his career. Will he extend his current deal by a few months, and run the risk of an injury which could prevent him from landing his final deal? A general lack of match fitness across the returning league may increase the chances of such an injury.

If teams can’t get all their players to agree to temporary contract extensions, they will be put at an unfair disadvantage. Sports lawyers may be champing at the bit for the inevitable contract disputes, but the outlook isn’t good for sporting integrity.

So if finishing all 38 rounds of the season isn’t entirely fair, what are the other options?

Ending the season now without declaring a winner is unsatisfactory. Particularly for Liverpool, who are in touching distance of their first title in 30 years.

It’s also unacceptable to end the season and hand out rewards (or punishments) as they stand, due to the aforementioned schedule issues. Sheffield United, for example, could climb into sixth place and European qualification if they win their game in hand. And Aston Villa have the game in hand that could lift them out of the relegation zone.

A slightly fairer mechanism may be to project each team’s final point tally using their current points per game (PPG). Sheffield United have a PPG of 1.54, which would put their final point tally at 58.4 points. Wolves, currently a spot above the Blades, have a PPG of 1.48, which would put their final tally at 57.8. Therefore, Sheffield United would leapfrog Wolves into sixth. However, the Blades wouldn’t jump above Manchester United in fifth place, as the Red Devils’ PPG puts them at a final tally of 60.5 points.

The PPG system has its advantages, but it still suffers from issues with strength of schedule. Additionally, it doesn't account for the late-season push (or slide) that can happen with teams due to pressure. Leicester in 2014-15, for example, won seven of their last nine matches to stave off near-certain relegation. Norwich are rock-bottom right now with the same amount of matches remaining — with six scheduled against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Ultimately, there is no fair way to end the Premier League season. And, of course, it should be noted that there are far higher priorities in society right now than determining soccer outcomes.

However, the idea that playing all the 2019-20 games will restore the seaosn’s integrity and give us a satisfactory conclusion is, unfortunately, far from reality.

VIDEO - Best Premier League skills and showboats | NBC Sports

« Last Edit: April 29, 2020, 02:11:31 PM by Flex »
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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1933 on: April 29, 2020, 02:28:47 PM »
Gerrard, Suarez lead Premier League nearly men who never won a title
Mark Ogden
Senior Writer, ESPN FC


When football returns, Liverpool will be just two wins from sealing the club's first Premier League title -- ending a 30-year wait that stretches back to the club's last domestic championship in 1990, three years before Manchester United emerged as champions at the end of the inaugural Premier League campaign in 1992-93.

Since then, a series of iconic players have tried and failed to clinch a Premier League winners' medal, with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard perhaps the biggest name of all to end his career without getting his hands on the Premier League trophy. Monday marks the six-year anniversary of Gerrard's infamous slip against Chelsea, which ultimately ended the Merseysiders' 2013-14 title challenge.

But Gerrard is not alone, so ESPN has selected the Best XI of players -- not including the current Liverpool squad -- who have graced the Premier League but failed to claim a winners' medal.

Goalkeeper: Brad Friedel
A tough one. All the great goalkeepers -- Peter Schmeichel, Petr Cech, David Seaman -- won at least one Premier League title, but there have been a number of ultra-consistent, long-serving keepers who would have been worthy of a winners' medal. Nigel Martyn, with Leeds and Everton, was close, but Brad Friedel racked up 450 Premier League appearances with Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham, and the former USMNT No. 1's longevity was a mark of his class and reliability.

Right-back: Rob Jones
Although Rob Jones made 155 Premier League appearances for Liverpool during the 1990s, his story is one of what might have been due to a succession of injuries denying him the glittering career that many had predicted when he broke into the team as a 19-year-old -- 48 hours after signing from Crewe Alexandra in 1991, Jones was named man of the match after marking Manchester United's Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford. Jones had pace, awareness, the ability to defend and break forward and Liverpool fans still regard him as one of the club's best-ever full-backs.

Centre-back: Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher won nine major trophies as a Liverpool player, including a Champions League in 2005, but Premier League success eluded him during his 16-year career at Anfield. Although he also performed at full-back and in defensive midfield, Carragher was ultimately a commanding centre-half who blended toughness with the ability to read the game and lead from the back. Carragher made 737 appearances for Liverpool, which sums up his ability.

Centre-back: Marcel Desailly
This slot could have gone to Newcastle's Philippe Albert or Leeds and Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate, but even though he arrived at Chelsea after his peak years with AC Milan in 1998, Marcel Desailly was still a hugely influential figure in the Premier League during his six-year spell at Stamford Bridge. The French World Cup winner was a rock at the heart of Chelsea's back four alongside Frank Leboeuf, where his physicality and game awareness made him an outstanding performer.

Left-back: Stuart Pearce
Leighton Baines has been Mr. Consistency at left-back for over a decade with Wigan and Everton, but to select the former England defender would be to overlook the quality of Stuart Pearce, who set the mould for the modern-day full-back at Nottingham Forest before going on to play for Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City. Pearce, who captained England, was a ferocious tackler, but he also scored goals, created them and dominated every inch of his flank of the pitch.

Midfield: Steven Gerrard
You cannot overstate Steven Gerrard's status as a legend of the Premier League era. The Liverpool captain had absolutely everything as a midfielder. He could defend, attack, tackle, burst from box to box, score crucial goals and spectacular ones and, on many occasions, he inspired Liverpool to glory, never more so than during the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan. He had everything except a Premier League winners' medal and, even now, that is hard to believe.

Midfield: Xabi Alonso
The likes of Paul Pogba, Javier Mascherano, Gustavo Poyet and Ruud Gullit have all failed to win the Premier League, but none have made quite the same impact in the division as Xabi Alonso, whose five-year stint at Liverpool ended in 2009 with just three winners' medals in the Champions League, Super Cup and FA Cup. The Spain international, who went on to enjoy great success with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, was one of the best long-range passers of the Premier League era and was the perfect foil for Gerrard.

Forward: Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has won four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and a La Liga title too, but he never came close to a Premier League medal with Southampton or Spurs. The Welshman rejected Manchester United when he signed for Spurs in 2007, so it may have been a different story had he teamed up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford. Not yet 31, Bale may still return to England win the Premier League, but he hasn't won one yet.

Forward: Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola was 30 when he arrived at Chelsea from Parma in 1996, with his best years seemingly behind him, but the Italian proved his doubters wrong during a seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge in which he became one of the most influential players in the Premier League era. Zola's professionalism and perfectionism influenced those around him, but he was primarily a match-winner, scoring 59 goals and assisting 42 during 229 Premier League appearances.

Forward: Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez will always divide opinion. A brilliant, talismanic goal scorer on the one hand and a magnet for controversy on the other, with the Uruguayan receiving lengthy bans for racially abusing Patrice Evra and biting Branislav Ivanovic during his three and a half years at Anfield. Suarez the footballer was outstanding for Liverpool, though, with 69 goals and 23 assists in 110 Premier League games.

Forward: Harry Kane
At 26, Harry Kane still has time on his side to win the Premier League, but he may have to leave Tottenham to do so. With 136 goals in 201 league games for Spurs, the England captain could be the key signing for a club with title aspirations, but he has yet to win anything in his career and the wait goes on. The slot could have gone to Robbie Fowler or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Kane could end up as the league's highest-ever scorer and not win the trophy.

Manager: Kevin Keegan

Kevin Keegan is remembered for one moment, above all others, as a manager -- his finger-jabbing, "I would love it" rant in response to Sir Alex Ferguson's so-called mind games during Newcastle's title run-in with Manchester United in 1996. Newcastle blew a 12-point lead and finished second that season, but prior to that, Keegan had revived a club heading for the third tier and built a hugely exciting team that became a Premier League force. Keegan was unlucky to be up against a United side at its peak. Otherwise, Newcastle would have won the title and history would have judged him and his team differently.

Substitutes: Pepe Reina (GK), Stephen Carr (DF), Philippe Albert (DF), Ruud Gullit (MF), Paul Pogba (MF), Steve McManaman (MF), Robbie Fowler (FW)

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1934 on: April 29, 2020, 02:57:16 PM »
Broadcasting hike enables English FA to bounce back into profit
By David Owen (insideworldfootball)


New broadcasting deals enabled the Football Association to bounce back into profit while boosting investments in the English game by almost 30% to £165.6 million during the year to end-July 2019.

Of the additional £38 million pumped into English football, however, just £2 million went into the women’s game, with nearly half of the additional funding earmarked for increased FA Cup prize money. All told, women’s football got just £11 million, or less than 7%, of the £165.6 million total, versus £51 million that went to FA competition prize funds, £19 million to facilities, £17 million to county FAs and £25 million to other football organisations.

Newly-published accounts show that turnover for the year was up by nearly a quarter, from £375.5 million to £467.2 million, with broadcasting much the largest contributor at £262.6 million.

Sponsorship and licensing income, by contrast, was down quite sharply at £63.4 million, against £79.1 million. Events income edged up to £70.6 million, in spite of the ending of the Tottenham Hotspur tenancy, reflecting a good year for rock concerts and the staging of three American football games plus a boxing bout involving Anthony Joshua.

Operating profit surged to £62.8 million, against a £1.8 million operating loss the previous year. Pre-tax profit weighed in at £57 million, against a loss of £8.5 million.

The FA’s debt was restructured during the course of the year, with a term loan replaced, in effect, by a revolving credit facility. At the 2018-19 year-end, net debt stood at £126.4 million, up from £106.7 million. Year-end cash amounted to £39.2 million. There was a £23.7 million purchase of tangible fixed assets.

A statement accompanying the accounts by FA chairman Greg Clarke was dated November 2019, predating emergence of the coronavirus pandemic.


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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1935 on: June 05, 2020, 10:59:48 AM »
Premier League: How to watch in USA (all times EST)

Matchday 29
Wednesday, June 17: Aston Villa v. Sheffield United, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Wednesday, June 17: Man City v. Arsenal, 3:15 p.m. ET NBCSN

Matchday 30
Friday, June 19: Norwich v. Southampton, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Friday, June 19: Tottenham v. Man United, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Saturday, June 20: Watford v. Leicester, 7:30 a.m. NBCSN
Saturday, June 20: Brighton v. Arsenal, 10 a.m. NBCSN
Saturday, June 20: West Ham v. Wolves, 12:30 p.m. NBC
Saturday, June 20: Bournemouth v. Palace, 2:45 p.m. Gold/Peacock
Sunday, June 21: Newcastle v. Sheffield United, 9 a.m. NBCSN
Sunday, June 21: Aston Villa v. Chelsea, 11:15 a.m.NBCSN
Sunday, June 21: Everton v. Liverpool, 2 p.m. NBCSN * Venue TBC
Monday, June 22: Man City v. Burnley, 3 p.m. NBCSN

Matchday 31
Tuesday, June 23: Leicester v. Brighton, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Tuesday, June 23: Tottenham v. West Ham, 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24: Man United v. Sheffield United, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Wednesday, June 24: Newcastle v. Aston Villa, 1 p.m. Gold/Peacock
Wednesday, June 24: Norwich v. Everton, 1 p.m. Gold/Peacock
Wednesday, June 24: Wolves v. Bournemouth. 1 p.m. Gold/Peacock
Wednesday, June 24: Liverpool v. Palace, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Thursday, June 25: Southampton v. Arsenal, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Thursday, June 25: Burnley v. Watford, 1 p.m. Gold/Peacock
Thursday, June 25: Chelsea v. Man City, 3:15 p.m., NBCSN

Matchday 32
Saturday, June 27: Aston Villa v. Wolves, 7:30 a.m. NBCSN
Sunday, June 28: Watford v. Southampton, 11:30 a.m. NBCSN
Monday, June 29: Crystal Palace v. Burnley, 3 p.m. NBCSN
Tuesday, June 30: Brighton v. Man United, 3:15 p.m. NBCSN
Wednesday, July 1: Everton v. Leicester, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Wednesday, July 1: Bournemouth v. Newcastle, 1 p.m. Gold/Peacock
Wednesday, July 1: Arsenal v. Norwich, 1 p.m. Gold/Peacock
Wednesday, July 1: West Ham v. Chelsea,  3:15 p.m. NBCSN
Thursday, July 2: Sheffield United v. Tottenham, 1 p.m. NBCSN
Thursday, July 2: Man City v. Liverpool, 3:15 p.m. NBCSN, * Venue TBC

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1936 on: July 12, 2020, 10:19:47 PM »
This weekend had some crazy football. Arsenal losing to Spurs. and Leicester City losing(imploding) against Bournemouth. Caspar was care-free with the goal kick that lead to the penalty. And Konguclou foul in the net, when Bournemouth scored the 2nd goal, was stupid. Red card for hi and will miss the next 2 important games. In the space of 5 mins, the coasting City went 2-1 down and eventually lost 4-1. Most hilarious 5 mins of football I have seen in a long time. Football is a cruel game.
« Last Edit: July 12, 2020, 10:21:30 PM by Deeks »

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1937 on: July 27, 2020, 01:00:21 PM »
Grades for every PL team in 2019-20
Joe Prince-Wright
NBC Sports


It is that time again, time to dish out Premier League grades for each team based on their displays in 2019-20.

The season was long, longer than any in history, and a lot has changed since the season began last August.

Based on their performances on the pitch, decisions off it and where they finished, here’s a grade for all 20 Premier League teams.

Feel free to dish out your Premier League grades in the comments below as we go through the Premier League in alphabetical order.

Arsenal: C-
Rallied after Unai Emery was fired and Mikel Arteta was hired but there is so much for the young manager to sort out. Will Aubameyang and Lacazette stay? Do they have money to spend? How will they improve defensively? What the heck is going on with Ozil? Still, an FA Cup win to seal a return to Europe would rescue a horrible season, as Arteta’s side finished in eighth, their lowest position in 25 years.

Aston Villa: D
Saved themselves on the final day but this was not pretty. Sure, they can celebrate survival but Dean Smith and Aston Villa had a lot of quality players but never really looked like a team until the final two weeks. They had a few big injuries and Jack Grealish was good, but not amazing, for most of the season. Villa have to move a lot of players in and out this summer to avoid another relegation scrap.

Bournemouth: F
Eddie Howe’s side are much-loved but this season they were woeful. They stopped creating and scoring goals midway through the season and they continued to let them in. Callum Wilson’s goals dried up, the way Ryan Fraser’s contract running out was handled was awful and even though David Brooks was injured, would he have made that much of a difference? After a five-season fairytale stay in the top-flight, Bournemouth were relegated and Howe can have no complaints. Will he stay to try and bring them straight back up? Expect Ake, Wilson, Brooks and others to be sold this summer.

Brighton: B
What a job Graham Potter has done. Brighton are now a great team to watch, play exciting soccer and Potter has done that with largely the same squad Chris Hughton had. Pretty safe from relegation for most of the season and the likes of Maupay, Trossard and Connolly should be good next season. Potter was a gamble, but he’s worked his magic on Brighton (see what I did there…).

Burnley: B+
Sean Dyche once again proved he can organize a team on a shoestring budget and Burnley finishing in 10th was an amazing achievement. Dyche was angry towards the end of thee season as players left as free agents and he may leave this summer unless the Clarets start to spend more. Has he taken them as far as he can? Whatever happens, Dyche and Burnley once again punched well above their weight.

Chelsea: A-
Frank Lampard’s youngsters delivered a top four finish nobody really thought they could and they did it with swagger and a few slip ups along the way. Defensively fragile but sumptuous in attack, the likes of Mount, James, Pulisic and Abraham took their chances and now a new host of stars are arriving with Werner, Ziyech and maybe Havertz on the way. Lampard exceeded Chelsea’s expectations and if they can sort out their defense, they could challenge for the title.

Crystal Palace: D-
Pretty meh season for Palace. Roy Hodgson did what he does and turned them into a solid outfit but one win from their final nine games of the season is worrying. Wilfried Zaha didn’t turn up all season and wants out, so that’s a big offseason problem to sort out. Palace will want to kick on and that could mean moving on from Hodgson, who has done a fine job.

Everton: F
Just not good enough. Marco Silva was fired and Carlo Ancelotti hired and despite some glimmers of hope in the second half of the season, the same problems arose for Everton. Defensive mistakes cost them dear and they need a midfield enforcer. Richarlison can’t do it all on his own up top. With the squad they have they should be in the top 10, minimum, but 12th place wasn’t good enough. Ancelotti knows that and will demand wholesale changes this summer.

Leicester City: A
So, so close to a Champions League return. For the first half of this season it looked like Leicester would challenge Liverpool for the title. Then they imploded. Jamie Vardy won the Golden Boot and they finished fifth to qualify for the Europa League, but Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed with the way they crumbled in the second half of the season. They are a young team but it seemed like arrogance crept into their play.

Liverpool: A+
What can we say that hasn’t already been said? A first Premier League title and a first league title in over 30 years, Jurgen Klopp has delivered. His players were sensational and looked like they would go the entire season unbeaten and even though they didn’t, 99 points gained is remarkable. They smashed so many records and did it in style. Deserved champions and one of the best teams in Premier League history.

Manchester City: B+
Pep Guardiola’s men had an off season but still finished second. Defensively they were shambolic at times and not signing a new center back last summer came back to haunt them. Laporte being injured was one thing but Pep needs to upgrade his full backs too. Kevin de Bruyne was majestic and they could still win the Champions League. Man City will be up there again next season and having the Champions League ban overturned was huge for their future.

Manchester United: A-
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted with a third-place finish, and rightly so, but he knows United are a long way behind Liverpool and Man City. Man United were superb in the second half of the season and Bruno Fernandes’ arrival was key to that. Defensively they’ve improved and Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are electric in attack. If David de Gea can regain his form and United can bring in two or three quality additions this summer, they may just be back to being title contenders. Solskjaer is at the wheel and slowly but surely he’s turning Man United back on track.

Newcastle United: C
A very average season for Newcastle. Steve Bruce probably overachieved with the players he has and the delayed and controversial sale of the club to the Saudi Arabian royal family has been hanging over the Magpies. Defensively they are tough but they must improve going forward. Allan Saint-Maximin is a gem, while Miguel Almiron found his feet and Joelinton didn’t. Plenty of ‘Brucie Bonus’ wins but all in all, Newcastle did well to stay out of the relegation scrap. Bang average.

Norwich City: D
Didn’t have a chance from the start but still a really poor finish to the season. It was like Daniel Farke’s side gave up after hearing their manager say all season long they needed a miracle to stay up. Norwich never strengthened after sealing promotion and that is their model. The Canaries will be in the top half of the Championship next season and after a great start to 2019-20, they let their Premier League status slip away so easily. Lovely to watch, at times, but not hungry enough in both boxes.

Sheffield United: A+
Chris Wilder is up there as a manager of the year candidate. The Blades were brilliant and finished ninth in their first season back in the Premier League. Their European bid came up short after a tough restart period but their overlapping center backs and general tenacity should be applauded. Great at the back, not so great in attack, Wilder needs to add more firepower. If he gets it right then the Blades can eye another top 10 finish. Next season will be really tough.

Southampton: B
Ralph Hasenhuttl and Southampton deserve huge credit for turning their season around. After THAT 9-0 loss against Leicester City, the entire mood of the club changed. They have returned to being the plucky upstarts and their form from November onwards was majestic. Danny Ings banged in 22 goals and they regained their hunger and caused plenty of shocks as Hasenhuttl’s famed 4-2-2-2 high-pressing system is working a treat. 11th place finish this season, but can they push for Europe next season?

Tottenham Hotspur: C
Mauricio Pochettino being fired was a shock but probably needed as he had taken Spurs as far as he could. Jose Mourinho coming in was an even bigger shock but it’s working, sort of. Spurs have been grinding out wins since Mourinho arrived and had so many injuries to deal with. Harry Kane is back fit and scoring goals and if Mourinho can improve this defense, they will always have a chance of winning thanks to Kane and Son. Sixth place was fine, all things considered, and Mourinho will want top four next season. Will he get the money to do that?

Watford: F
Absolutely shocking. Four managerial changes in a season says it all. The ownership and players have to take a huge amount of criticism for the way the Hornets went down. Javi Gracia was fired, so too were Quique Sanchez Flores and Nigel Pearson, the latter with two games of the season to go after he had Watford within touching distance of safety. Watford’s owners have always hired and fired coaches but this was utter nonsense. Watford’s players were in a European hunt and in the FA Cup final last season and now they’re in the Championship. A hugely disappointing season. Can they recover quickly from this?

West Ham: F
Just about stayed up and this wasn’t pretty either. Manuel Pellegrini spent a lot of money and most of the new signings have failed to impress. The jury is out on Haller and Fornals, while Declan Rice and Michail Antonio were the only major positives. David Moyes being hired to save them from relegation for a second time worked, again, but West Ham massively underachieved. Is Moyes the right man long-term? Will he be given a chance to build something this time? West Ham should be a top 10 club but they have to get their recruitment right.

Wolves: B+
Another very impressive season for Wolves who finished seventh, again. They were in the top four conversation all the way until the end and are in the Europa League knockout rounds. Nuno Espirito Santo has done a magnificent job and with Raul Jimenez banging them in up top and Adama Traore dazzling on the wing, they scare so many opponents. Can Wolves keep hold of their star duo? That will be key to mounting another top four challenge next season.

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1938 on: July 29, 2020, 09:40:35 AM »
Newcastle set to become the Premier League titan they have long threatened to be
Ryan Bailey
Yahoo Sports


They have had more botched takeovers than you’ve had hot meals, but Newcastle United appear to be in the home straight in their quest for new ownership.

British retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley has owned the Magpies since 2007, but has failed to develop a rapport with the Geordie faithful, due to a lack of investment into the team that has led to more relegations than successes.

Fans feel that he cares more about his controversial retail empire, and that he does not understand the club or its people. The supporters in the North East of England even resent the fact that he, and the people he put in charge at the club, are from the South of England. (Just like the north distrusts the elite south in “Game of Thrones,” the Geordies refer to their unpopular owner and his ilk as the “cockney mafia.”)

The perennially abhorred Ashley has tried to unload the club on several occasions, coming close to sealing an agreement with the Abu Dhabi ruling family last summer.

Ashley is undoubtedly one of the least popular owners in the game, but his unpopularity is likely to be eclipsed by the majority stakeholder in the Toon’s latest $375 million takeover deal.

If the deal goes through, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia will hold an 80 percent stake in the club, with 10 percent ownership going to financier Amanda Staveley and multi-billionaire real estate investors David and Simon Reuben.

Due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record and multiple breaches of international law, their investment in Newcastle puts the hatred of Ashley into a new perspective. (After all, for his faults, the famously reclusive businessman has never committed a genocide in Yemen or murdered a journalist with a bone saw.)

Accordingly, Amnesty International condemned the takeover, in what may be seen as the legitimization of a murderous regime. It is completely reasonable to be concerned about the slow creep of soft power and illicit wealth into top-tier soccer — but it is also important to note that we as soccer fans have long been complicit in this unedifying charade.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain fans are among those who enjoy the spoils of a team funded by ethically dubious sources. And in all the noise around the Newcastle takeover, it seems to have been forgotten that the Premier League already has a Saudi-backed team: Sheffield United are fully owned by Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Italian and Spanish Super Cups are held in Saudi Arabia, along with major boxing events and proposed Formula 1 races. This does not make Newcastle’s takeover any less controversial, but it suggests that it is possible for Newcastle fans to simultaneously couple a sense of concern with excitement for the future.

The change of ownership will make Newcastle the richest team in the Premier League — the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is worth a reported $393 billion — which gives them the potential to become the titan they have always threatened to be.

Newcastle is a one-team town, whose fans fill the 52,000-capacity St. James’ Park rain or shine, Premier League or Championship. The stadium is frequently cited as having the best atmosphere in the Premier League, but the incredible match-day experience stands in stark contrast to the team’s success.

The Magpies have not won a major trophy since the 1955 FA Cup.

They came closest to glory in the mid-90s, when they were within touching distance of winning the Premier League. In 1995-96, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle side held a 12-point lead over rivals Manchester United by January, but still managed to finish second. Keegan’s unravelling was famously captured in a post-match interview, in which he proclaimed: “I’d love it if we beat them!”

Newcastle responded by breaking the world transfer record for hometown hero Alan Shearer in the following summer — for a £15 million (roughly $18.4 million) fee that seems quaint by today’s standards — but only managed to finish runner-up once again in 1996-97.

The Magpies’ greatest dalliance with continental glory came in the 1997-98 season, where they defeated a Barcelona side featuring Luis Figo, Rivaldo and Luis Enrique, courtesy of a Faustino Asprilla hat trick.

In the last two decades, however, the pickings have been slim when it comes to success. In Ashley’s 13 seasons at the helm, the club has only finished in the top half of the table twice. They have also been relegated twice — an unfathomable embarrassment for a club of their size.

Given the size of their fanbase and their stature in the modern game, Newcastle are easily the biggest underachievers in soccer. Many vaunted European sides bat below their average, but none come close to the Magpies.

But that script may be destined to change in the coming seasons.

With a considerable cash injection, at a time when rivals may be struggling to balance the books, Newcastle could invest in the kind of players who could live up to the tremendous roar that emanates from the Gallowgate on match days. Think Kylian Mbappe, rather than Joelinton.

Of course, it is possible that Newcastle’s new owners will hold the purse strings as tight as Ashley. After all, Sheffield United’s Saudi owners have not flooded the club with money, while Queens Park Rangers weren’t exactly Champions League contenders when they were majority-owned by Lakshmi Mittal, one of the richest people in the world.

But it is now possible for Newcastle to fulfill their destiny as a European contender. They can finally reward their long-suffering fanbase with the level of soccer that their unwavering passion deserves.

Perhaps the Premier League Big Six could become a Big Seven. Juventus may not be the only Champions League regulars in black and white. And the Premier League trophy might be engraved with a new name.

Newcastle will continue to receive bad press for welcoming Saudi money — and perhaps rightly so. But recent history has taught us that soccer fans are willing to overlook the involvement of dubious owners, poorly behaved players or unethically sourced financial resources if it equates to success.

In the modern game, it is impossible for any team to gain a seat at the top table of European soccer, among the “heritage teams,” without a large injection of cash. Newcastle already has the fanbase and infrastructure required to dine at that table, and if the takeover goes through, they will also be able to pay the check.



Newcastle takeover on brink of collapse as Saudi buyers fail to 'satisfy' Premier League
Newcastle's hopes of a takeover after receding.
By UCHE AMAKO


The proposed takeover of Newcastle is reportedly in fresh doubt due to the Saudi-led consortium failing to provide the Premier League with clarity over the link between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Saudi government.

It is over three months since Newcastle owner Mike Ashley agreed to sell the club to PIF for £300million.

It was hoped that the buyers would smoothly pass the Premier League's owners' and directors' test but it has dragged on for several weeks.

And the apprehension felt by those at St James' Park has grown with the Telegraph claiming PIF are 'struggling to satisfy' the Premier League over who the ownership hierarchy are and who the main decision-makers will be.

The report says that as it stands the deal is “gridlocked” as the Premier League wants greater clarity over the relationship between PIF and the Saudi government.

A source told the Telegraph: "As things stand there is no chance of the takeover progressing in its current form.

“The problem is this, the Premier League wants to know who will be running the club, who will have the final say on decisions, who will negotiate sponsorship deals and so on and so on.

“The PIF has the majority stake but the management structure does not seem to recognise that.

"The more questions that have been asked, the more muddled and confused it becomes. The Premier League is not satisfied with the answers it has been given.”

Speaking after Newcastle's final game of the season on Sunday, manager Steve Bruce reiterated the need for clarity and revealed he will hold talks with Ashley this week.

He said: “I also have a call in to Mike on Wednesday.

"It is important to tell everyone: he wanted to say well done to the staff and players for their hard work. It was good to hear from him. That was basically it.

“That [the takeover] is vitally important. We need clarity. You have to go to town on the Premier League.

"How long do you want? The club needs that clarity. Let's hope we can do that in the next few days, or week.

“I'm sure there is a shared desire to keep taking the club forward – everybody wants the club to do well.

"As I keep saying, we need some clarity about the situation with regard to the takeover because, if that’s not going to happen, we need to know quickly. That way, we can make sure it is business as usual.”

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1939 on: August 20, 2020, 09:00:22 AM »
Premier League 2020-21 key fixtures:

September 19 - Chelsea v Liverpool
September 26 - Liverpool v Arsenal
October 3 - Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
October 17 - Everton v Liverpool
October 17 - Manchester City v Arsenal
October 24 - Manchester United v Chelsea
October 31 - Manchester United v Arsenal
November 7 - Manchester City v Liverpool
November 21 - Tottenham v Manchester City
November 28 - Chelsea v Tottenham
December 5 - Tottenham v Arsenal
December 12 - Manchester United v Manchester City
December 19 - Manchester United v Leeds United
December 26 - Arsenal v Chelsea
January 16 - Liverpool v Manchester United
January 30 - Arsenal v Manchester United
February 3 - Tottenham v Chelsea
February 20 - Liverpool v Everton
February 27 - Chelsea v Manchester United
March 6 - Manchester City v Manchester United
March 13 - Arsenal v Tottenham
April 24 - Leeds United v Manchester United
May 1 - Manchester United v Liverpool
May 8 - Manchester City v Chelsea
May 12 - Chelsea v Arsenal
May 15 - Chelsea v Leicester City
May 23 - Leicester City v Tottenham

Full Premier League fixtures for the 2020/21 season have been announced.

Saturday 12 September
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Fulham v Arsenal
Liverpool v Leeds Utd
Spurs v Everton
West Brom v Leicester City
West Ham v Newcastle Utd

Monday 14 September
20:00 Brighton v Chelsea
20:00 Sheffield Utd v Wolves

Saturday 19 September
Arsenal v West Ham
Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd
Chelsea v Liverpool
Everton v West Brom
Leeds Utd v Fulham
Leicester City v Burnley
Man Utd v Crystal Palace
Newcastle Utd v Brighton
Southampton v Spurs
Wolves v Man City

Saturday 26 September
Brighton v Man Utd
Burnley v Southampton
Crystal Palace v Everton
Fulham v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Arsenal
Man City v Leicester City
Sheffield Utd v Leeds Utd
Spurs v Newcastle Utd
West Brom v Chelsea
West Ham v Wolves

Saturday 3 October
Arsenal v Sheffield Utd
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Everton v Brighton
Leeds Utd v Man City
Leicester City v West Ham
Man Utd v Spurs
Newcastle Utd v Burnley
Southampton v West Brom
Wolves v Fulham

Saturday 17 October
Chelsea v Southampton
Crystal Palace v Brighton
Everton v Liverpool
Leeds Utd v Wolves
Leicester City v Aston Villa
Man City v Arsenal
Newcastle Utd v Man Utd
Sheffield Utd v Fulham
Spurs v West Ham
West Brom v Burnley

Saturday 24 October
Arsenal v Leicester City
Aston Villa v Leeds Utd
Brighton v West Brom
Burnley v Spurs
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Liverpool v Sheffield Utd
Man Utd v Chelsea
Southampton v Everton
West Ham v Man City
Wolves v Newcastle Utd

Saturday 31 October
Aston Villa v Southampton
Burnley v Chelsea
Fulham v West Brom
Leeds Utd v Leicester City
Liverpool v West Ham
Man Utd v Arsenal
Newcastle Utd v Everton
Sheffield Utd v Man City
Spurs v Brighton
Wolves v Crystal Palace

Saturday 7 November
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Brighton v Burnley
Chelsea v Sheffield Utd
Crystal Palace v Leeds Utd
Everton v Man Utd
Leicester City v Wolves
Man City v Liverpool
Southampton v Newcastle Utd
West Brom v Spurs
West Ham v Fulham

Saturday 21 November
Aston Villa v Brighton
Burnley v Crystal Palace
Fulham v Everton
Leeds Utd v Arsenal
Liverpool v Leicester City
Man Utd v West Brom
Newcastle Utd v Chelsea
Sheffield Utd v West Ham
Spurs v Man City
Wolves v Southampton

Saturday 28 November
Arsenal v Wolves
Brighton v Liverpool
Chelsea v Spurs
Crystal Palace v Newcastle Utd
Everton v Leeds Utd
Leicester City v Fulham
Man City v Burnley
Southampton v Man Utd
West Brom v Sheffield Utd
West Ham v Aston Villa

Saturday 5 December
Aston Villa v Newcastle Utd
Brighton v Southampton
Burnley v Everton
Chelsea v Leeds Utd
Liverpool v Wolves
Man City v Fulham
Sheffield Utd v Leicester City
Spurs v Arsenal
West Brom v Crystal Palace
West Ham v Man Utd

Saturday 12 December
Arsenal v Burnley
Crystal Palace v Spurs
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v Liverpool
Leeds Utd v West Ham
Leicester City v Brighton
Man Utd v Man City
Newcastle Utd v West Brom
Southampton v Sheffield Utd
Wolves v Aston Villa

Tuesday 15 December
19:45 Arsenal v Southampton
19:45 Aston Villa v Burnley
19:45 Fulham v Brighton
19:45 Leeds Utd v Newcastle Utd
19:45 Leicester City v Everton
19:45 Sheffield Utd v Man Utd
19:45 West Ham v Crystal Palace
19:45 Wolves v Chelsea

Wednesday 16 December
20:00 Liverpool v Spurs
20:00 Man City v West Brom

Saturday 19 December
Brighton v Sheffield Utd
Burnley v Wolves
Chelsea v West Ham
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Everton v Arsenal
Man Utd v Leeds Utd
Newcastle Utd v Fulham
Southampton v Man City
Spurs v Leicester City
West Brom v Aston Villa

Saturday 26 December
Arsenal v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Fulham v Southampton
Leeds Utd v Burnley
Leicester City v Man Utd
Liverpool v West Brom
Man City v Newcastle Utd
Sheffield Utd v Everton
West Ham v Brighton
Wolves v Spurs

Monday 28 December
Brighton v Arsenal
Burnley v Sheffield Utd
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Everton v Man City
Man Utd v Wolves
Newcastle Utd v Liverpool
Southampton v West Ham
Spurs v Fulham
West Brom v Leeds Utd

Saturday 2 January
Brighton v Wolves
Burnley v Fulham
Chelsea v Man City
Crystal Palace v Sheffield Utd
Everton v West Ham
Man Utd v Aston Villa
Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Southampton v Liverpool
Spurs v Leeds Utd
West Brom v Arsenal

Tuesday 12 January*
19:45 Arsenal v Crystal Palace
19:45 Aston Villa v Spurs
19:45 Fulham v Man Utd
19:45 Leeds Utd v Southampton
19:45 Leicester City v Chelsea
19:45 Sheffield Utd v Newcastle Utd
19:45 West Ham v West Brom
19:45 Wolves v Everton

Wednesday 13 January*
20:00 Liverpool v Burnley
20:00 Man City v Brighton

*Matchweek 18 fixtures initially allocated to 12-13 January will be played across 12-13 January and 20 January 2021. The split of matches will be determined when the broadcast selections for January are announced.

Saturday 16 January
Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Aston Villa v Everton
Fulham v Chelsea
Leeds Utd v Brighton
Leicester City v Southampton
Liverpool v Man Utd
Man City v Crystal Palace
Sheffield Utd v Spurs
West Ham v Burnley
Wolves v West Brom

Tuesday 26 January
19:45 Brighton v Fulham
19:45 Burnley v Aston Villa
19:45 Everton v Leicester City
20:00 Man Utd v Sheffield Utd
20:00 West Brom v Man City

Wednesday 27 January
19:45 Chelsea v Wolves
19:45 Newcastle Utd v Leeds Utd
19:45 Southampton v Arsenal
19:45 Spurs v Liverpool
20:00 Crystal Palace v West Ham

Saturday 30 January
Arsenal v Man Utd
Brighton v Spurs
Chelsea v Burnley
Crystal Palace v Wolves
Everton v Newcastle Utd
Leicester City v Leeds Utd
Man City v Sheffield Utd
Southampton v Aston Villa
West Brom v Fulham
West Ham v Liverpool

Tuesday 2 February
19:45 Aston Villa v West Ham
19:45 Burnley v Man City
19:45 Fulham v Leicester City
19:45 Leeds Utd v Everton
19:45 Sheffield Utd v West Brom
19:45 Wolves v Arsenal
20:00 Man Utd v Southampton

Wednesday 3 February
19:45 Newcastle Utd v Crystal Palace
19:45 Spurs v Chelsea
20:00 Liverpool v Brighton

Saturday 6 February
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Burnley v Brighton
Fulham v West Ham
Leeds Utd v Crystal Palace
Liverpool v Man City
Man Utd v Everton
Newcastle Utd v Southampton
Sheffield Utd v Chelsea
Spurs v West Brom
Wolves v Leicester City

Saturday 13 February
Arsenal v Leeds Utd
Brighton v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Newcastle Utd
Crystal Palace v Burnley
Everton v Fulham
Leicester City v Liverpool
Man City v Spurs
Southampton v Wolves
West Brom v Man Utd
West Ham v Sheffield Utd

Saturday 20 February
Arsenal v Man City
Aston Villa v Leicester City
Brighton v Crystal Palace
Burnley v West Brom
Fulham v Sheffield Utd
Liverpool v Everton
Man Utd v Newcastle Utd
Southampton v Chelsea
West Ham v Spurs
Wolves v Leeds Utd

Saturday 27 February
Chelsea v Man Utd
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Everton v Southampton
Leeds Utd v Aston Villa
Leicester City v Arsenal
Man City v West Ham
Newcastle Utd v Wolves
Sheffield Utd v Liverpool
Spurs v Burnley
West Brom v Brighton

Saturday 6 March
Aston Villa v Wolves
Brighton v Leicester City
Burnley v Arsenal
Chelsea v Everton
Liverpool v Fulham
Man City v Man Utd
Sheffield Utd v Southampton
Spurs v Crystal Palace
West Brom v Newcastle Utd
West Ham v Leeds Utd

Saturday 13 March
Arsenal v Spurs
Crystal Palace v West Brom
Everton v Burnley
Fulham v Man City
Leeds Utd v Chelsea
Leicester City v Sheffield Utd
Man Utd v West Ham
Newcastle Utd v Aston Villa
Southampton v Brighton
Wolves v Liverpool

Saturday 20 March
Brighton v Newcastle Utd
Burnley v Leicester City
Crystal Palace v Man Utd
Fulham v Leeds Utd
Liverpool v Chelsea
Man City v Wolves
Sheffield Utd v Aston Villa
Spurs v Southampton
West Brom v Everton
West Ham v Arsenal

Saturday 3 April
Arsenal v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Fulham
Chelsea v West Brom
Everton v Crystal Palace
Leeds Utd v Sheffield Utd
Leicester City v Man City
Man Utd v Brighton
Newcastle Utd v Spurs
Southampton v Burnley
Wolves v West Ham

Saturday 10 April
Brighton v Everton
Burnley v Newcastle Utd
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
Fulham v Wolves
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Man City v Leeds Utd
Sheffield Utd v Arsenal
Spurs v Man Utd
West Brom v Southampton
West Ham v Leicester City

Saturday 17 April
Arsenal v Fulham
Aston Villa v Man City
Chelsea v Brighton
Everton v Spurs
Leeds Utd v Liverpool
Leicester City v West Brom
Man Utd v Burnley
Newcastle Utd v West Ham
Southampton v Crystal Palace
Wolves v Sheffield United

Saturday 24 April
Arsenal v Everton
Aston Villa v West Brom
Fulham v Spurs
Leeds Utd v Man Utd
Leicester City v Crystal Palace
Liverpool v Newcastle Utd
Man City v Southampton
Sheffield Utd v Brighton
West Ham v Chelsea
Wolves v Burnley

Saturday 1 May
Brighton v Leeds Utd
Burnley v West Ham
Chelsea v Fulham
Crystal Palace v Man City
Everton v Aston Villa
Man Utd v Liverpool
Newcastle Utd v Arsenal
Southampton v Leicester City
Spurs v Sheffield Utd
West Brom v Wolves

Saturday 8 May
Arsenal v West Brom
Aston Villa v Man Utd
Fulham v Burnley
Leeds Utd v Spurs
Leicester City v Newcastle Utd
Liverpool v Southampton
Man City v Chelsea
Sheffield Utd v Crystal Palace
West Ham v Everton
Wolves v Brighton

Tuesday 11 May
19:45 Brighton v West Ham
19:45 Burnley v Leeds Utd
19:45 Everton v Sheffield Utd
20:00 Man Utd v Leicester City
20:00 West Brom v Liverpool

Wednesday 12 May
19:45 Chelsea v Arsenal
19:45 Newcastle Utd v Man City
19:45 Southampton v Fulham
19:45 Spurs v Wolves
20:00 Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

Saturday 15 May
Brighton v Man City
Burnley v Liverpool
Chelsea v Leicester City
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Everton v Wolves
Man Utd v Fulham
Newcastle Utd v Sheffield Utd
Southampton v Leeds Utd
Spurs v Aston Villa
West Brom v West Ham

Sunday 23 May
16:00 Arsenal v Brighton
16:00 Aston Villa v Chelsea
16:00 Fulham v Newcastle Utd
16:00 Leeds Utd v West Brom
16:00 Leicester City v Spurs
16:00 Liverpool v Crystal Palace
16:00 Man City v Everton
16:00 Sheffield Utd v Burnley
16:00 West Ham v Southampton
16:00 Wolves v Man Utd

« Last Edit: August 20, 2020, 03:07:16 PM by Flex »
The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1940 on: September 09, 2020, 03:40:03 PM »
TOP VIC
thesun.co.uk


Victor Moses has donated £20,000 to struggling former side Wigan Athletic.

The cash-strapped club is in dire straits after administrators were summoned in July, resulting in a 12-point penalty and relegation from the Championship to League One.

They are desperately looking for new owners to reverse their fortunes.

But in the meantime, a Supporters’ Club Crowdfunder page has been set up to raise cash and save Wigan from going under.

Former Lactics favourites including Roberto Martinez, Reece James and James McClean have all stepped forward with donations.

And now Moses has given £20k to the fundraiser in a touching gesture.

Wigan tweeted: “Thank you Victor Moses. Victor has pledged a significant donation to Save Our Club!”

The Chelsea wing-back, 29, starred for Wigan between 2010 and 2012.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline soccerman

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1941 on: September 10, 2020, 12:11:59 PM »
 :applause: :applause: :applause: Respect Moses :salute:

Offline Flex

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1942 on: September 16, 2020, 05:35:41 PM »
Premier League calls on government to raise 1,000 fan cap and save football jobs
By Andrew Warshaw (Insideworldfootball).


The English Premier League has called on the government to rethink its plans on the proposed return of fans to stadiums in the wake of increasing Covid-19 infections.

While other European countries are already allowing a phased return of fans, test events in the UK have been put on hold, derailing plans for crowds to return from October 1.

If and when the policy changes, pilot events will be capped at a capacity of 1,000.

In a strongly-worded statement, which took many observers by surprise, the Premier League condemned the prolonged absence of fans and warned of the continuing economic consequences.

“With test events now capped at 1,000 supporters, we believe they will not provide any opportunity to properly test and evaluate measures designed to maximise fan safety,” the letter said. “At 1,000 supporters, not only would there be little to learn from a test event, but each match would be heavily loss-making.”

“For each month of the season without fans, more than £100 million is lost to football across the leagues, with consequent damage to the local and national economy. It also harms the employment prospects of more than 100,000 people whose jobs depend on match-day activities.”

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Peong

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1943 on: September 26, 2020, 12:10:58 PM »
West Brom have a Kittitian in midfield. Romaine Sawyers, I not familiar with the youth. He almost just now against Chelsea.

Offline Deeks

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Re: English Premier League Thread.
« Reply #1944 on: September 26, 2020, 04:36:31 PM »
West Brom have a Kittitian in midfield. Romaine Sawyers, I not familiar with the youth. He almost just now against Chelsea.

Saw him play today. Not bad. Did not know he was from St. Kitts.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2020, 04:38:37 PM by Deeks »

Offline lefty

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1945 on: October 03, 2020, 09:19:50 AM »
Has anybody checked out Carlo's Everton at all this season, dat team look like dey go be dismantling real opponents this year similar to Chelsea in 2010, Never forgave the Russian for letting Carlo go and in such a disrespectful fashion, Ray Wilkins too

Add: Everton v Liverpool go be ah must watch
« Last Edit: October 03, 2020, 09:34:18 AM by lefty »
I pity the fool....

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1946 on: October 04, 2020, 10:02:49 AM »
Why is Lamela unsanctioned?

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1947 on: October 04, 2020, 10:04:23 AM »
Enjoyed Poveda versus Man City.

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1948 on: October 04, 2020, 10:08:09 AM »
 :wavetowel: :wavetowel: :wavetowel: The purge is on at Old Trafford.

Offline Cocorite

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Re: English Premier League (EPL) Thread
« Reply #1949 on: October 04, 2020, 12:02:07 PM »
:wavetowel: :wavetowel: :wavetowel: The purge is on at Old Trafford.

I actually like the MU players. The backroom needs a purge  ;D
Socawarriors Need A Winning Mentality

 

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