The Prem Starts Soon
- Thread starter seminoleed
- Start date
Those numbers could mean anything. Webb maybe worked a lot of Arsenal/Coventry games, so the scoring is higher? Now, if those are the numbers of both sides playing each other, I'm puzzled why the won/lost record between them wasn't as flattering to Gunners.Originally posted by Manch.:
Bigger blow to the Gunners as the Gunners averaged 2.33 points a game with Webb as the official while United averaged 1.85. City averaged 2.41 points a game with Webb officiating.Originally posted by seminoleed:
Huge blow the the Devils, Manch. No one else can carry United like Webb did.
Liverpool averaged only .89 points a game with a record of 5 wins, 2 draws and 12 losses with a GD of -1. How do you lose 7 more games than wins, and the GD is only -1? Those 5 wins must have been some big blowouts.
Many are hailing Webb (in the media) as one of the best of all time, along with the bald Italian guy who retired a while back (and who truly was a brilliant official,IMHO). Those same media apparently never watched the brutality that was Webb at WC 2010.
My answer is precisely the same. I swear I could've written his exact post.Originally posted by FSUdawg
I follow Arsenal. When (not if) they play in Champions League, I follow and cheer for them. When they play in the FA Cup I follow and cheer for them. In these other events I also cheer against teams like Tottenham, Man U, Man City, Celsea, and especially Liverpool.Originally posted by GwinnettNole:
Question for you premier league guys-
do you all follow the Champions League as much as the EPL? How about your club in the Champions League (provided it made it to the CL of course)?
As the boards resident MLS fan (hey because it's 'merica's) just trying to learn where your passion/ interests lies when comparing the premier, champions league, etc.
Thanks!
If Arsenal is not on TV, but another EPL game is on, I will typically keep the channel on and listen while doing other things. Similar to how I handle most college football games when FSU is not playing.
^^^^^^^^ What Les said. FSUDawg sounds like my clone.
Then again, I"m only 35 miles from Athens, so................
Then again, I"m only 35 miles from Athens, so................
Arsenal are looking pretty good in the Community Shield but I think they really need a DM because, as much as I like him, Arteta isn't going to cut it for a full season playing that deep.
After a 10 year wait, Arsenal is on the verge of collecting their 2nd piece of hardware in a span of less than 3 months.
That back 4 for City has been disgustingly disgusting.
I had been using ESPN's soccernet for coverage, but their new format is as bad as the City defense today. What are some of the better sites for daily coverage? Sky Sports?
That back 4 for City has been disgustingly disgusting.
I had been using ESPN's soccernet for coverage, but their new format is as bad as the City defense today. What are some of the better sites for daily coverage? Sky Sports?
Looks like Liverpool had their way today against BVB.
The goal keeping job at Chelsea is going to get interesting, neither Cech nor Courtois are going to want to sit at all, but one of them will.
Speaking of keepers, they can play at a high level into their late 30's/early 40's, heck, at age 39, Edwin Van de Sar kept a clean sheet for over 11 straight matches, which is why I am dumbfounded as to why at age 31, Pepe Reina has decided to sign on with Bayern as a backup to Manuel Neuer, who isn't going anywhere for the next 10 years. I didn't follow Reina at Napoli last year, but has he slipped that much where he can't catch on as a #1 keeper on a first flight team somewhere?
The goal keeping job at Chelsea is going to get interesting, neither Cech nor Courtois are going to want to sit at all, but one of them will.
Speaking of keepers, they can play at a high level into their late 30's/early 40's, heck, at age 39, Edwin Van de Sar kept a clean sheet for over 11 straight matches, which is why I am dumbfounded as to why at age 31, Pepe Reina has decided to sign on with Bayern as a backup to Manuel Neuer, who isn't going anywhere for the next 10 years. I didn't follow Reina at Napoli last year, but has he slipped that much where he can't catch on as a #1 keeper on a first flight team somewhere?
You can tell the Community Shield has lost a bit of luster over the years by the acres of empty seats at Wembly today. This from two sides with reputations of being well traveled by their supporters. But, silverware is still silverware, and after the long drought, The Arsenal is about to pickup their second one in 3 months. Color my pleased by their performance today.
1. Alexis is a special talent. I can't wait to watch him this year. He oozes quality.
2. I think we're going to really regret letting Sagna walk. Debuchy was molasses and out of position on D all day.
3. Calum Chambers looks REALLY promising. I could see him getting minutes at DM this year.
4. Chambers is our 3rd choice, and Nacho is our 4th choice CB right now. That's a disaster waiting to happen. We MUST (like tomorrow) sign a legit CB and, I think, keep Ignasi Miquel in house and not loan him out this year.
2. I think we're going to really regret letting Sagna walk. Debuchy was molasses and out of position on D all day.
3. Calum Chambers looks REALLY promising. I could see him getting minutes at DM this year.
4. Chambers is our 3rd choice, and Nacho is our 4th choice CB right now. That's a disaster waiting to happen. We MUST (like tomorrow) sign a legit CB and, I think, keep Ignasi Miquel in house and not loan him out this year.
Les, I suspect Wenger greedily took the 15 million for Vermaelen and his achy knees to do just what you're suggesting. Wait and see.
Chambers, IMHO, was MOM today. First time on a big stage, and he really showed up. Sanchez is the real deal; I drool over the prospects of him AND Ozul on the pitch together.
Chambers, IMHO, was MOM today. First time on a big stage, and he really showed up. Sanchez is the real deal; I drool over the prospects of him AND Ozul on the pitch together.
Yeah really poor atmosphere today but nice work by arsenal who had tough lineup calls with champions league this week.
Man city. Yuck. They looked out of shape and had no identity.
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Man city. Yuck. They looked out of shape and had no identity.
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City with no identity, that's what happens when you buy players just for the sake of buying players, much like the New York Yankees do.
I was taken back a little at how empty Wembley was, almost a home game for Arsenal and there's no way that the announced attendance of 71,500 was accurate. They must have used the dollar to pound conversion. The FA Cup final in May had an attendance of 89,000+ and Wembley was packed.
I was taken back a little at how empty Wembley was, almost a home game for Arsenal and there's no way that the announced attendance of 71,500 was accurate. They must have used the dollar to pound conversion. The FA Cup final in May had an attendance of 89,000+ and Wembley was packed.
Arsenal looked decent yesterday - strong in the attacking third but a bit suspect to the counter. Kinda like Man U thus far.
Hoping that Man U can pick up a quality CB. I like what they have for depth but they need an anchor back there.
Also need another mid. Vidal was unlikely. Still need to see how Carrick will fit. Fletcher has been hot and cold since returning from illness.
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Hoping that Man U can pick up a quality CB. I like what they have for depth but they need an anchor back there.
Also need another mid. Vidal was unlikely. Still need to see how Carrick will fit. Fletcher has been hot and cold since returning from illness.
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The possibility of Vidal seems to have gone up a little now with cash and Nani as a make weight... along with Rojo who turned in his transfer request. Transfer rumors are all crap to me until the player is holding up the jersey.
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That was brutal. Mata could have made the first Swans goal avoidable had he marked their midfielder. But wow, we looked pretty inept at times and I had to check to see if Moyes was sitting on the bench. Not sure what LvG thought he was doing by removing Ander for Fellaini... we were zapped right there.
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Exactly; it's a marathon, not a sprint. Hell, The Arsenal lost at home 3-1 to freaking Aston Villa to start last year, and ending up leading the chase for longer than any other team.
That being said, I was shocked at United's listlessness. Swans clearly wanted it more.
Had to LOL at the ref; adds 4 minutes to a second half with no cards, injuries, etc., then determines that to mean 6.5 minutes to give the Devils every possible to chance to pull out the draw. Even the announcers were questioning it. Surely a Howard Webb disciple.
The consistency with which MUFC benefits from phantom stoppage time when down a goal is ridiculous. Like so many I'm sure, I predicted it in real time. My dad is trying to get into the EPL this year (at the ripe old age of 62) and he's trying to learn the game a bit from me. Just before the announced injury time, I said "Watch, it will be 4 or 5 minutes. Bank on it. And they'll get more than that even." He was baffled to watch it transpire as predicted. "This happens all the time?!?"
The concern for United has to be the lack of offensive creativity and energy going forward. Rooney looks sharp, but without RVP, they really don't have much to threaten a decent defensive side.
Some wonderful football games today. The crowd at Leicester when they drew level was deafening. Hotpants pull out a result that was most undeserved. If I only The Arsenal can get by Crystal Phallus, it'll be a great day. Games like this always worry me, though. Will Jekyll or Hyde show up in red?
Why, oh why, do they refuse to make it easier on me?
Not pretty, and not at their best, but The Arsenal dominated play and got the job done. Now if only the Peasants would fall tomorrow!
Arsenal looked like Arsenal always look. Dominant in possession, sub-standard in the box. It's why, as good a player as he is, Sanchez will not have the impact so many Arsenal fans think he will. He's not a target man. He was also average today. Could have been swapped for Ozil or any number of other attacking Arsenal players and nobody would have noticed. In fact, I don't think Ozil would have been swallowed up by Liverpool's (until 3 days ago) 3rd string right back, Martin Kelly, like Sanchez was.Originally posted by seminoleed:
Why, oh why, do they refuse to make it easier on me?
Not pretty, and not at their best, but The Arsenal dominated play and got the job done. Now if only the Peasants would fall tomorrow!
Good luck rooting against Liverpool tomorrow.
In reality, the first couple of games of the season the teams are still finding their way, players getting used to each other again, or with new teammates. No one is especially sharp. The idea is to get as many points out of the first 2 or 3 games, and by then, barring injuries, teams start to gel and we see what they really look like.Originally posted by DC Nole:
Arsenal looked like Arsenal always look. Dominant in possession, sub-standard in the box. It's why, as good a player as he is, Sanchez will not have the impact so many Arsenal fans think he will. He's not a target man. He was also average today. Could have been swapped for Ozil or any number of other attacking Arsenal players and nobody would have noticed. In fact, I don't think Ozil would have been swallowed up by Liverpool's (until 3 days ago) 3rd string right back, Martin Kelly, like Sanchez was.Originally posted by seminoleed:
Why, oh why, do they refuse to make it easier on me?
Not pretty, and not at their best, but The Arsenal dominated play and got the job done. Now if only the Peasants would fall tomorrow!
Good luck rooting against Liverpool tomorrow.
The Arsenal dominated this match and was clearly the better side. Even Phallus' goal was truly against the run of play. I'll take it every time.
Good sign for the Peasants who, much like The Arsenal yesterday, appeared flat for most of the match but dispatched a much-improved and inspired Southampton 2-1. The pass on that first goal was highlight reel stuff.
Now, on to supporting the Barcodes! God, I love the Prem.
Now, on to supporting the Barcodes! God, I love the Prem.
Surprisingly conservative lineup from Rogers. Lucas (a.k.a. the Brazillian Kyle Beckerman) was an odd choice vs. a solid underdog team like Southampton. It caused Liverpool to be pretty conservative offensively. I suppose injuries surely had a lot to do with it, given that Lallana, Markovic, and Can were all unavailable. All 3 are new signings brought in to add more attacking verve to the midfield.
Good to get goals from the key guys, though. Sterling and Sturridge will have to carrry them all year long. Both off to a good start.
I like Sturridge and Sterling up front together and hopefully, where they play together so much, that they can bring that experience together for the Three Lions. Liverpool getting Sturridge for only ?12 millions pounds from Chelsea was more than felony theft, heck, I think it was better than Liverpool getting ?50 million for Torres (how come the pound symbol never appears?). Even better was only paying ?600,000-?5 million for Sterling from QPR.
I can see Strurridge and Sterling accounting for Suarez's 31 league goals.
Does Gerrard automatically take all PK's for Liverpool where he hits 77% of his PK's?
I can see Strurridge and Sterling accounting for Suarez's 31 league goals.
Does Gerrard automatically take all PK's for Liverpool where he hits 77% of his PK's?
Any ideas where Cech ends up after being named the #2 keeper, heck, he's only 32 years old, and for a keeper, has a good 5-6 pretty decent years left in him, minimum.
I just saw that Bendtner signed a 3 year deal with Wolfsburg. I remember him being the next Bergkamp, or even better.
I just saw that Bendtner signed a 3 year deal with Wolfsburg. I remember him being the next Bergkamp, or even better.
No idea what Cech will do, but bad news for Mourinho that he went with the best keeper in the world IMHO. Oye. Cech has a week or so to fight or demand a move, and i bet Mourinho won't let him leave anyway.
I wish Cech would go to Madrid to replace the disaster that is Casillas, then he and Navas could fight it out. Why madrid brought Navas in to watch Casillas is outrageous, he moves like a 55 year old these days, has not aged well and was never a great athlete in goal.
I remember Bendtner when he got to Arsenal at 16, Wenger was touting him like a god, which was odd as no one else was, he's still clumsy at times for this size and poor technically around goal, and that was pretty much his peak at 17-18, all a slow downhill since, but Wenger refused to sell him for several years, stubborn as they get.
Everton with a crushing opening tie late at the power that is Leicester. Everton need all the points they can get right now as they have so many injuries and start Europa in a few weeks. I'm afraid Martinez mistakes in keeping Osman, Pienaar especially, and not signing more attacking youths, will leave them short of actual relevant EPL players this fall. Lukaku better wake up, his world cup slump is officially scaring me now.
Saw United is looking to overpay for more of these Herrera types. Seriously i respect van Gaal more than Moyes tactically, but it's like man United has a different transfer value for every player than any other club. No one else was even in that ballpark for Herrera near that number, and Shaw was several mill more than needed.
Now we have Rojo, 8-10 mill for anyone else, they are considering 16 million plus Nani for 1 year? United need a new value chart.
I wish Cech would go to Madrid to replace the disaster that is Casillas, then he and Navas could fight it out. Why madrid brought Navas in to watch Casillas is outrageous, he moves like a 55 year old these days, has not aged well and was never a great athlete in goal.
I remember Bendtner when he got to Arsenal at 16, Wenger was touting him like a god, which was odd as no one else was, he's still clumsy at times for this size and poor technically around goal, and that was pretty much his peak at 17-18, all a slow downhill since, but Wenger refused to sell him for several years, stubborn as they get.
Everton with a crushing opening tie late at the power that is Leicester. Everton need all the points they can get right now as they have so many injuries and start Europa in a few weeks. I'm afraid Martinez mistakes in keeping Osman, Pienaar especially, and not signing more attacking youths, will leave them short of actual relevant EPL players this fall. Lukaku better wake up, his world cup slump is officially scaring me now.
Saw United is looking to overpay for more of these Herrera types. Seriously i respect van Gaal more than Moyes tactically, but it's like man United has a different transfer value for every player than any other club. No one else was even in that ballpark for Herrera near that number, and Shaw was several mill more than needed.
Now we have Rojo, 8-10 mill for anyone else, they are considering 16 million plus Nani for 1 year? United need a new value chart.
Sturridge and Sterling had 30 goals between them last year. They'll need to better that by a bit this year. Maybe 35-37. 40 would be incredible. But that's not going to make up for the Suarez loss.
Liverpool will need the Henderson/Coutinho duo to be more productive. Both have shown flashes, but only ended up with 4 goals apiece last season. They'll need to each double that, and I think that's very do-able. Plus, the combo of Emrie Can, Joe Allen, Lazar Markovic, etc will chip in a few as well.
Still, Liverpool will almost certainly not recover the entire Suarez scoring loss. But they really don't have to. Subtract all 31 of Suarez's goals and Liverpool still had 70 goals, which would be good for 3rd in the league, 1 behind Chelsea. Liverpool don't need to be a 100 goal team to be a title threat. They need 80-85 goals and to tighten up the defense, which they are hoping that they've done by potentially bringing in 3 new starters out of the back 4.
Yes, Gerrard will take almost all of the penalties. Rickie Lambert may take some as well, since he's never missed in a competitive match.
Liverpool will need the Henderson/Coutinho duo to be more productive. Both have shown flashes, but only ended up with 4 goals apiece last season. They'll need to each double that, and I think that's very do-able. Plus, the combo of Emrie Can, Joe Allen, Lazar Markovic, etc will chip in a few as well.
Still, Liverpool will almost certainly not recover the entire Suarez scoring loss. But they really don't have to. Subtract all 31 of Suarez's goals and Liverpool still had 70 goals, which would be good for 3rd in the league, 1 behind Chelsea. Liverpool don't need to be a 100 goal team to be a title threat. They need 80-85 goals and to tighten up the defense, which they are hoping that they've done by potentially bringing in 3 new starters out of the back 4.
Yes, Gerrard will take almost all of the penalties. Rickie Lambert may take some as well, since he's never missed in a competitive match.
Manchester is a war zone compared to what it was 10-15 years ago, with a lot of rubbish moving in from Massachusetts. Manchester used to be nicknamed ManchVegas, because a lot of the small, surrounding towns would come here because of the malls, ballparks, civic center....there is a lot to do here compared to nothing to do in the smaller towns. Manchester has a population of about 110K. Manch's new nickname is Manchganistan. When Massachusetts finally cracked down on welfare and other such free government handouts, and where people had all of their benefits run out, they started moving to southern NH, much like Miami opening their doors to the Cubans. Trying to not push any stereotyping, but violence and crime is up in Manchester, due to a large gain in hispanic piopulation, and I read the police log every week, and a good number of arrests come from hispanics, or Massachusett residents. Concord is starting to feel the same problem, as the population increase continues to venture north. At first Nashua felt the problem, then Derry/Londonderry, Hudson..... right up to Manchester and now continues to reach out more to the north.
Manchester is also becoming home to hundreds of refugees from Africa, where local churches are bringing in the refugees, and now the schools have to have interpreters for every language, so if there are refugees from 15 African nations, that's 15 interpreters the school systems need, times the 3 levels of schools, so that adds to the budget that is already drastically underfunded, and the city's union workers...teachers and highway department, won't take any concessions on higher health insurance and other benefits, so there have been a high number of layoffs, and city classrooms can reach on average, 27-35 students a class and again, there is no money in the budget. In the past 7-10 years, there have been about 20 murders in the city, with 5-6 coming from a refugee, and several others coming from Massachusetts residents that have been displaced here, including a police officer that was shot and killed, point blank from a Boston native.
Concord is a city that wants to be town. They do not like outsiders, and the city's infrastructure has not grown with the population, and traffic is horrible. I live in Pembroke, which borders Concord to the south, and in terms of size by area, Pembroke is probably the same size as Concord. Pembroke is probably 12-15 north of Manchester.
Manchester is a decent place to live, once you get out of the inner city, but can get expensive in terms of rent.... it helps separate the filth.
In terms of politics, this state is the same as anywhere else. A local state senator just had a video posted of him being drunk at a bar. Are you kidding me? A state senator?
If I had to choose, it would be Manchester because I was born and raised there, and Concord can get pretty congested, as there are two main roads that lead to everything. I work in Manchester (until the 12th of September when I get laid off) and Manchester has the Monarchs (the LA Kings AHL team and the Fisher Cats, Toronto's AA affiliate), of which we attend a lot of games.
I think the schools might be better in Concord because of budget crunches here in Manchester. If I was single and no kids, it would be Manchester, but with kids and a lot of their friends right here in Pembroke, I would pick Concord. Also, Concord is like the last stop before entering the White Mountain and lakes regions.
Also, the youth sports programs are much better in Manchester, as they always seem to be sending a team to the nationals, either in Babe Ruth, American Legion, youth hockey.....).
I have lived in both, and Manchester just feels like home to me and again, Concord is a city that wants to be a town, and there really isn't much to do there and is the gateway to the north, but Manchester is only 20 minutes south.
Matt Bonner is from Concord, and they treat him like he was one of the Founding Fathers, 'nuff said there.
Manchester is also becoming home to hundreds of refugees from Africa, where local churches are bringing in the refugees, and now the schools have to have interpreters for every language, so if there are refugees from 15 African nations, that's 15 interpreters the school systems need, times the 3 levels of schools, so that adds to the budget that is already drastically underfunded, and the city's union workers...teachers and highway department, won't take any concessions on higher health insurance and other benefits, so there have been a high number of layoffs, and city classrooms can reach on average, 27-35 students a class and again, there is no money in the budget. In the past 7-10 years, there have been about 20 murders in the city, with 5-6 coming from a refugee, and several others coming from Massachusetts residents that have been displaced here, including a police officer that was shot and killed, point blank from a Boston native.
Concord is a city that wants to be town. They do not like outsiders, and the city's infrastructure has not grown with the population, and traffic is horrible. I live in Pembroke, which borders Concord to the south, and in terms of size by area, Pembroke is probably the same size as Concord. Pembroke is probably 12-15 north of Manchester.
Manchester is a decent place to live, once you get out of the inner city, but can get expensive in terms of rent.... it helps separate the filth.
In terms of politics, this state is the same as anywhere else. A local state senator just had a video posted of him being drunk at a bar. Are you kidding me? A state senator?
If I had to choose, it would be Manchester because I was born and raised there, and Concord can get pretty congested, as there are two main roads that lead to everything. I work in Manchester (until the 12th of September when I get laid off) and Manchester has the Monarchs (the LA Kings AHL team and the Fisher Cats, Toronto's AA affiliate), of which we attend a lot of games.
I think the schools might be better in Concord because of budget crunches here in Manchester. If I was single and no kids, it would be Manchester, but with kids and a lot of their friends right here in Pembroke, I would pick Concord. Also, Concord is like the last stop before entering the White Mountain and lakes regions.
Also, the youth sports programs are much better in Manchester, as they always seem to be sending a team to the nationals, either in Babe Ruth, American Legion, youth hockey.....).
I have lived in both, and Manchester just feels like home to me and again, Concord is a city that wants to be a town, and there really isn't much to do there and is the gateway to the north, but Manchester is only 20 minutes south.
Matt Bonner is from Concord, and they treat him like he was one of the Founding Fathers, 'nuff said there.
I thought the Coutinho signing a few years back was one of the best signings of the summer, and I said that at the time of the signing.
If Suarez wasn't scoring, he was setting up a lot of chances, either with a physical assist, or the attention that he drew.
I think Lambert was 29 when he made his first top flight appearance, and I believe in one of only a handful of players to score in all four of the highest divisions. It's amazing that he has over 200 FA career goals, and didn't get a sniff of the PL until he was almost 30 years of age, Not to mention making England's WC squad.
DC, the success that Liverpool has had over the past couple of years, where do you think the credit goes? Rodgers replacing Dalglish? New ownership (which includes Lebron James), not playing in Europe...... or a combination of everything?
Lambert's 34 in a row from the spot for Southampton is insane, most people don't realize that taking a kick from the spot is a talent and not a gimme, and some of the best goal scorers in the world have fits taking a PK.
Lambert from the spot:
Stockport County: 6/6
Rochdale: 5/6
Bristol Rovers: 13/14
Southampton: 34/34
Liverpool: unoffical, missed against AC Milan in the ICC.
That's 58/61 (including the ICC miss), and that stat is awesome (Gerrard is 23/28, I believe for 77%).
Did I see that Southampton signed Shane Long for ?12 million?
Thanks Manch, great insight!
Job offer, if i get it soon, is in Concord. About to be single, no kids so schools not an issues, and i've lived in cities before so I know the deal, but i've heard the same things you mentioned on Manchester. Spent an afternoon there recently, definitely some sketch areas, but lots to do for sure.
Honestly being somewhere new i wouldn't mind being close to new potential employer, even walkable in Concord so no traffic or weather issues, then have closer access as you mentioned to skiing, lakes, etc...
Does a bus go to/from concord to Manchester? I'd want accessibility to Manchester on weekends for sure, if not Boston sometimes. Could see Concord getting boring if not. Surprised there isn't a great rail system from Boston to Concord.
Job offer, if i get it soon, is in Concord. About to be single, no kids so schools not an issues, and i've lived in cities before so I know the deal, but i've heard the same things you mentioned on Manchester. Spent an afternoon there recently, definitely some sketch areas, but lots to do for sure.
Honestly being somewhere new i wouldn't mind being close to new potential employer, even walkable in Concord so no traffic or weather issues, then have closer access as you mentioned to skiing, lakes, etc...
Does a bus go to/from concord to Manchester? I'd want accessibility to Manchester on weekends for sure, if not Boston sometimes. Could see Concord getting boring if not. Surprised there isn't a great rail system from Boston to Concord.
Count me in as another who thinks Coutinho is underrated today. I like Liverpool's chemistry a lot, and I think that can carry them for most of the season, but I could see them adding a piece in January if scoring drops too much.
Did anyone know that Terrence Boyd was now on Leipzig in German2? I had no idea.
Did anyone know that Terrence Boyd was now on Leipzig in German2? I had no idea.
Cech won't be forced to stay at Chelsea if he wants to go. IMO, Napoli and Monaco are his best landing spots as both have very little at keeper and both are in UCL (assuming Napoli qualifies).
re: Shaw, someone was going to pay the ?30M for him. It's the wages that got him to United. I know from Chelsea's prospective, going above ?60K/wk was someone that Chelsea was unwilling to do (which is twice what Azpilicueta currently makes - pending extension).
Funny thing about the Nani move is United apparently are paying his entire wages (plus some other incentives for him such as minibar expenses and Portuguese newspapers).
