Stevie G to Ba. Cue the bus.

4/27/2014 9:57:35 AM

I know hating Liverpool may be a thing which is fine but I don't know how a neutral could cheer for this Chelsea team. So annoying to see a big club play like this.

4/27/2014 10:06:07 AM

This second half will be a Mourinho wet dream. Bus parking, stalling, fake injuries...

^ simple. No one will care if City wins. It's just another oil title. From an Arsenal perspective I would rather not have the slobbing that will go on for years about this Liverpool team should they win (and the requisite why hasn't Arsenal done it that goes along).

[Edited on April 27, 2014 at 10:08 AM. Reason : X]

4/27/2014 10:06:58 AM

Just need a point here.

4/27/2014 10:08:18 AM

^^ fair enough but I guess part of that is "hating Liverpool" I mentioned


Sterling. You can't be strong enough to hold multiple players one time and then fall at the slightest of touches the next. Stop it.

[Edited on April 27, 2014 at 10:17 AM. Reason : dives.]

4/27/2014 10:10:52 AM

Fuck

4/27/2014 10:59:01 AM

masterful from mourinho

4/27/2014 10:59:19 AM

Willian didn't walk alone into the net

Torres was there too

[Edited on April 27, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Reason : Steven Gerrard. Captain. Hero.]

4/27/2014 10:59:32 AM

Congrats to on the title.

4/27/2014 11:00:34 AM

Think he'll hand in another transfer request?

4/27/2014 11:00:49 AM

4/27/2014 11:08:26 AM

4/27/2014 11:08:51 AM

lol here come the midtablers

4/27/2014 11:10:51 AM

That was quick.

4/27/2014 11:14:46 AM

Whats wrong? Did liverpool forget to "go again" today?

4/27/2014 11:16:05 AM

haha that's pretty good.

4/27/2014 11:16:32 AM

I don't hate Pool and am not going to troll.. just didn't want to deal with the narratives.

4/27/2014 11:16:56 AM

No worries. Technically it's a choke but I wasn't celebrating a title yet either. I've been pretty consistent saying City would win the title this year. Still plenty of games to play too though.

4/27/2014 11:18:42 AM

Quote :

"“I don’t think Chelsea will play the kids because they never have done,” Rodgers told the ECHO. “As a football club they have a wonderful academy there but young players don’t get the opportunity there. That’s one thing you can rule out – there certainly won’t be kids playing.”"

4/27/2014 11:18:59 AM

LOL at that gif

4/27/2014 11:19:25 AM

whats the best way to get a replay on this game...you think NBC's website?

Youtube?

4/27/2014 11:58:09 AM

http://www.reddit.com/r/footballdownload/new/

it'll be up here eventually

4/27/2014 11:59:05 AM

finally saw the highlights...

Terry's slip 2 seasons ago>Gerrard's slip today

4/27/2014 2:03:26 PM

"This does not fucking slip now"


Whoops.

4/27/2014 2:05:08 PM

Rodgers pulled a Moyes in the post-match interview.

"We were clearly the better side today"

[Edited on April 27, 2014 at 2:17 PM. Reason : ..]

4/27/2014 2:17:05 PM

Go Everton!

4/27/2014 3:31:48 PM

What was the point of the Moyes statue? I don't see how he had anything to do with Liverpool being better this season.

Seems like a bit of stretch and childish of such a proud fan base.

4/27/2014 3:48:46 PM

I don't know if it was the fans or paddypower, but I think it'd be appropriate if a Jose Mourinho one showed up at Old Trafford if Liverpool fail to win the title.

4/27/2014 4:40:34 PM

that sucked

and I hate the way Jose Mourinho approaches football

although I must give him credit: his teams are very good at digging in defensively and, for example, turning 1-0 halftime leads into victories. Liverpool were nullified.

but still, putting 9 men behind the ball once you have the lead is the worst, most boring way to play football.

also, lol at that gif, I admit.

4/27/2014 11:18:12 PM

Mo is taking a beating from the press and fans, but i don't see how you can argue what he did wasn't technically perfect. This game isn't about looking good or possession (the most overrated aspect of the game imo), it's about results.

He knew that Liverpool was going to pressure heavily at home because they were the ones who had to have the 3, so he set up his team to absorb it and counter.

If Liverpool lays off a little and allows Chelsea to have the ball some, it becomes a more open game and you may catch that young center back running towards his own goal with Suarez looking to get on the end of something. All he did was play the 18 yard line for 90 mins. That's a gift to Chelsea.

4/28/2014 8:16:53 AM

Liverpool is going to need to buy a lot next year to compete on more than one front. Squad is probably the worst in the top seven (save Everton) but they have as good a top six players as anyone.. Playing 50 games they need a good five to six more quality players.

that's what Arsenals problem was.

[Edited on April 28, 2014 at 8:31 AM. Reason : x]

4/28/2014 8:29:34 AM

^ While I agree, I very much doubt Liverpool will be getting out of their group in the CL next year because they most likely will be in the group of death. It will be a learning opportunity for their younger players. It might be a problem, no doubt but that all depends on how some of their reserve players get on and improve on this year. I definitely think they need at least 3 or 4 players coming in next year though. We will see, next year is far away. The only consistency in the premier league was Sir Alex, after him its probably Mourinho and Wenger. Every other team can go anywhere in the top 7. Although City has too much talent in their team to not at least get a top 4 spot.

The team to watch next year is Arsenal. Wenger will most likely be back next year and the demand for a trophy will be huge if Arsenal fail to win the FA Cup this year. Arsenal will be facing its toughest competition in years with Tottenham, United, Liverpool, and presumably Everton battling with them for 2 top 4 spots. If Arsenal bring in a striker and a consistent center half they can ideally win it. Its a relatively young team. Someone like Diego Costa would improve them incredibly.

4/28/2014 9:33:32 AM

Let me preface by saying this is no means a troll.

If Madrid makes Suarez a priority in the summer (they will), Pool will a take a big step back next season. There's no way they can hold onto him in that scenario. Don't fool yourself for a second thinking that he has any loyalty to the Reds even if they are in the CL. If they want him, he's gone.

On top of that, Rodgers transfers to this point have left a whole lot to be desired. You've got Moses, Aspas, Cissokho, Ilori, Alberto, Kolo, Sakho, and Mignolet last summer for 50M. A bunch of underachievers, Sakho pretty good, and a big time player in Mignolet.

The season before was Borini, Allen, Assaidi, Sahin, Yesil, Sturridge, Coutinho, and Teixeira for ~48M

That's really quite terrible overall. I've heard the new deal for BR has been delayed because he wants even more control of signings too. If I'm the board, no way I'm allowing that.

4/28/2014 9:35:29 AM

^ You have to look at it objectively though. It was much harder for Liverpool to sign big players without European football. You also have to realize Liverpool probably don't have the money to overpay for a player and give them a massive contract.

I would say Allen, Sturridge, Coutinho, Mignolet, and Sakho are very good signings. Jury is still out on Borini, Assaidi, and Alberto.

Not too bad of a return for a team looking for quality from players that are young and unproven or have underachieved in the past (Sturridge).

4/28/2014 9:48:54 AM

I don't know if I would call 30% of the players you sign actually panning out (to this point) "not too bad of a return".

That's not good enough in the long haul.

4/28/2014 9:55:55 AM

Given the situation I think its a good return. Sturridge, Coutinho, Sakho, and Mignolet are all relatively young with good futures. Henderson has had a much better year, Allen is a good option in a squad, and Sterling has been very good as well. I see a decent spine there for Liverpool that they can certainly improve on after the year they have had.

4/28/2014 10:38:13 AM

Quote :

"If Madrid makes Suarez a priority in the summer (they will), Pool will a take a big step back next season. There's no way they can hold onto him in that scenario. Don't fool yourself for a second thinking that he has any loyalty to the Reds even if they are in the CL. If they want him, he's gone."

Other teams wanted him (and he wanted to leave) and he didn't go. It's not as simple as you say it is. But with that being said, if Real wants to drop around 70-80 mil on him, fine by me. Liverpool isn't a one man team like Spurs were with Bale, even considering how well Suarez has played this year. Sterling will be more of a goalscorer next year, Coutinho probably will be too, and Sturridge is already close to a 20 goals striker. On top of that, this year is not a normal year for Suarez - he's been pretty good with discipline issues, he hasn't been hurt, and he's scoring at an incredible rate that he never has before. It's not unlikely that he's never going to have a season like this again. If they can get an insane transfer fee for him, then I don't blame them for doing it now that he's gotten them into CL.

As far as BR and transfers, here are his "misses":

Moses (loan), Apsas (<10), Cissokho (loan), Illori (<10), Alberto (<10), Kolo (free), Assaidi (<5), Yesil<2). Those fees are peanuts in this era of stupid money transfers. To fault him for all these while ignoring his successes is weak. Although I will say I have no idea what he saw in Aspas. Maybe the worst LFC player I've ever seen.

Look at all the players he's spent more 10+ for: Coutinho (bargain from hell for what they paid, Sturridge (same as Coutinho), Allen (bit overpriced at first but he's established himself as a very important squad player), Sakho (young solid central defender, which don't come by often), and Mignolet (a very good goalkeeper with his best years ahead of him). The ONLY questionable one is Borini and I still think he'll play an important role as a squad player but injuries set him back and then they sent him on loan.

Like wazza said, without CL it's hard to find players to come without spending a ridiculous amount of money which can burn you in the long run if they don't work out. Rodgers hasn't had any big money flops yet and even if he does, almost every single manager/team will at some point. If Suarez leaves + additional money from CL, I have complete confidence Rodgers can secure a proven goalscorer and add 3-4 players to the squad.

They're punching above their weight now already, of course they won't be able to keep it up at this level considering every other team will strengthen their squads as well.

tl;dr - Rodgers is the man, suck it Spurs

[Edited on April 28, 2014 at 11:43 AM. Reason : clearing out the crap players from before basically cancel out those "misses" anyway]

4/28/2014 11:38:23 AM

Quote :

"Liverpool isn't a one man team like Spurs were with Bale"

They're waaaay closer to that than you want to believe. Don't get fooled into thinking you'll ever get that goal production from midfield again (especially Gerrard), and Sturridge is good at latching onto crosses, but not even close to Suarez's range of skills.

You're also failing to account for everyone's else extra space just due to Suarez' presence on the pitch. Not a chance you make the top 4 without him next season, and that attack is no longer striking fear into the hearts of CB's like this season.

You can frame BR's lack of success in the market however you want, but regardless of the price, he's signing players he genuinely believes can succeed and they aren't.

I'm not a Liverpool hater like I am an Arsenal, City, and ManU hater, but I really think Liverpool is a bit of one year wonder where it all fell into place and they had a magical season. This squad isn't that talented imo.

4/28/2014 12:00:10 PM

Quote :

"They're waaaay closer to that than you want to believe."

Not even remotely comparable.

4/28/2014 12:01:12 PM

Why don't you elaborate then, asshat.

We've got a good thing going this page.

4/28/2014 12:02:03 PM

asshat? ok buddy

nice quality response

50 goals between two players and Liverpool is a one hit wonder? I am not even getting into this. You apparently know everything already.

[Edited on April 28, 2014 at 12:24 PM. Reason : /]

4/28/2014 12:05:38 PM

Quote :

"Why don't you elaborate then, asshat."

should have called him a cunt.

Would have fit in better with the philosophy of this thread

4/28/2014 12:14:13 PM

Quote :

"You can frame BR's lack of success in the market however you want, but regardless of the price, he's signing players he genuinely believes can succeed and they aren't."

You can call BR's dealings in the market a lack of success if you want, but regardless of what you think, he's signing a majority of first team players that have succeeded in putting Liverpool top of the table and into the Champions League. Coutinho, Allen, Sturridge, Sakho, and Mignolet have all been key this season. I'd say making 5 signings in a few windows that impact your first team squad is a pretty good success rate. How many top teams have done that in recent years? City and Chelsea. And they're not buying bargains, they're buying superstars.

Goals from midfield? Gerrard's are almost all pens. Sterling doesn't even have 10 yet. Coutinho/Henderson have 9 between them. I'm extremely confident we'll get MORE goals from those midfield players in the future. Weird comment to make.

You're also assuming if Suarez leaves that LFC go on with the same squad and no replacement. Who's to say they don't get some proven goalscorer from somewhere else that can complement Sturridge? It's clear you don't watch Liverpool much if you think Suarez has been single handedly winning them games like Bale did at Spurs. He gets his goals but during their long winning streak, plenty of other players were stepping up.

4/28/2014 12:23:56 PM

Don't use logic in defending your point. Remember without Suarez, Liverpool would be nothing.

4/28/2014 12:25:31 PM

Not to mention, shore up the defense a little bit and Liverpool won't need as many goals as they've needed this year anyway.

I'm not crazy. I know everything fell into place for them this year and it still may not be enough to win the title. But they've laid down some pretty good roots and I think they'll definitely be more than competitive for a top 4 spot again next season barring injuries.

4/28/2014 12:30:42 PM

Quote :

"asshat? ok buddy nice quality response 50 goals between two players and Liverpool is a one hit wonder? I am not even getting into this. You apparently know everything already."

Stop being a whiny bitch. Heaven forbid somebody have a different view on the future than you. This page was moving nicely until you showed up and muddied the conversation. Well done.

Liverpool played above their heads this season, and if/when they lose their best player, they drop back in the scrap for that last CL spot every season again with the Spurs, Arsenal, and Everton types.

[Edited on April 28, 2014 at 12:54 PM. Reason : .......]

4/28/2014 12:53:10 PM

Well, I agree with that. But I'd agree with that even if Suarez stays. I think even City/Chelsea will find it tougher and tougher to be a clear top 3 team from now on.

I just think your point about Rodgers and transfers is completely wrong. And your line of thinking that this season is all Suarez and nothing else isn't true either.

4/28/2014 1:08:46 PM

I can't help but think he the way he imposed himself early this season set the tone for Liverpool. I honestly can't think of another attacker in the Prem that would be more scared of if I'm a CB.

That's the foundation of my initial post. He means so much to them when he's out there even if he isn't touching the ball and just creating space for others. As celebrated as he is, I still think he's undervalued across Europe.

I know it's my opinion and may be wrong, but that's a really big drop off if he goes.

4/28/2014 1:17:45 PM

come on gooners.

4/28/2014 3:29:29 PM

Arsenal up 3-0 in the 68th.

Barring an absolute defensive meltdown. St. Totteringham's Day is 22 minutes away.

4/28/2014 4:27:10 PM