The Football Thread - Page 1964

**mitchspur** · February 26th, 2017, 11:35 PM

Harry Kane scores 23-minute hat-trick for dominant Tottenham - third hat-trick in nine games.
Kane then turns provider for Dele Alli to finish from inside the six-yard area.

And yet I've been asked TWO SEASONS running now. If I think he will be a one season wonder????!!!!!!

This hat-trick was sheer quality.

When he first started, I think he's another Lee Chapman. But now he is sheer class.

Why can't he do it for England???????

**buttsie** · February 27th, 2017, 02:57 AM

Why do any club players never quite make it on the big stage?

I think it gots more to do with who else is picked and how their used

I've never seen a club use 5 strikers in 4 games with any level of success
like England did in the Euros....struck me that nobody had a clue who their best 11 were.

England remind me of Spurs under Vilas boas with no Gareth Bale to save them

**Ace1965** · February 27th, 2017, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorboater

On another note. I don't see any Spanish or Italian football ever. But I'm loving the work I'm seeing of Fernando Llorente in the games I've seen him play for Swansea. I can't wait til he's a washed up 35yo. Hopefully he'll then come down here and play in the A League.

Yeah I imagine he's cost Chelsea a little extra practice time defending set pieces with his header right before halftime last Saturday. The most dangerous man on the pitch in that situation for Swansea and they left him all alone.

**victor meldrew** · February 27th, 2017, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchspur

Why can't he do it for England???????

Something to do with the England set up or just plain fear.

Rooney the enigma in an England shirt.

Walcott playing out of his skin for the Gooners, puts on an England shirt and you are asking yourself who's this.

Even Sturridge when he was something was pants for England, these days its the glue on his boots.

As for Kane, gets better service in a Spurs shirt.

**Old Jud** · February 27th, 2017, 10:59 AM

United vs Southampton

As already stated in a previous post, the better team lost.

The Saints should have walked off the pitch at half time with the score level, and up to the 87th minute should have had a deserved 3-2 lead.

The Saints had a game plan, they out-paced and outplayed us from the kick off.
No doubt most observers might have thought that they would run out of steam in the second half, and United would then dominate, clearly that did not happen.

Anyone unfamiliar with English football could have mistaken the Saints as a top three side chasing the title and European qualification, and United as a mid table side hoping to snatch some glory from another disappointing season.
Let's not forget that we fielded a strong team against the Saints, but we missed the services of Mkhitaryan who is becoming a more influential player with each game he plays.

Southampton fans and the club can hold their heads high, they performed magnificently and can feel justifiably robbed on the day.

So what did we learn from the game? Not a lot that we don't already know really, United are a 'one trick pony' heavily relying on Ibrahimović. And that was the difference yesterday, that was the one and only area in which we had an advantage over the Saints, we had an (ageing) world-class striker on the pitch and they didn't.

Remove Ibrahimović from the equation and all we have in attack is a past his sell by date Rooney, a trio of youngsters (Martial, Rashford, and Lingard) with question marks surrounding their potential.
It's vital that the club secure the services of Ibrahimovic for next season, and buy either another established world class striker, or a outstanding young talent in the summer to supplement him.

**footstep** · February 27th, 2017, 03:52 PM

Marseille Paris 1 5...

**Devius** · February 27th, 2017, 08:54 PM

FULL TIME: Leicester 3-1 Liverpool
In their first game since Ranieri's sacking, Vardy gives Leicester lead with low strike - reward for strong Foxes start.
Drinkwater then scores a stunning second from 25 yards
Vardy heads in second after flowing move
Coutinho slots in to give Liverpool hope

In deference to fellow VEF member captain fanta I will refrain from any further comment on Leicester.

But no doubt Liverpool will bounce back again against Le Arse (more likely Arsenal will be their usual ineffectual selves)

**snowy25** · February 27th, 2017, 09:29 PM

A shocking performance by Leicester players. A completely different attitude to that shown over the last few weeks and months. Vardy especially running for balls he gave up on just a few weeks ago. In defence of the players it maybe down to formation or tactics but they certainly looked a different 11 to those who played previously and got their manager the sack. Movement was better and players seemed hungry to show what they can do. Another huge thing missing in the last few weeks. As plenty of Foxes fans said in the pub during the game where was this effort previously. It obviously helped that Liverpool were completely useless. Klopp needs to do something because a win here and there is not going to keep him in the job should they fail to qualify for Europe.

What I find most annoying about players who clearly down tools when they want the manager gone is that its the fans that suffer. The fans pay to watch their team and they give less than 100% and football is not cheap these days. If players want their manager gone then act professional, play until the end of the season and then push for him to go. Either that or play to your best and explain you want the manager gone and why. However give 100% at all times. .

**Greenman** · February 27th, 2017, 11:17 PM

That was one of the worst performances by Liverpool against a team that was on the ropes but all credit to Leicester they completely out-thought, outplayed and outscored us. I hope to goodness we don't play that badly against Arsenal and Everton but at least we will have home advantage and the Anfield Roar will be needed more than ever-Top 4? It is asking a lot I fear that Europa might be our best bet but surely we can do better than last year?

captain fanta · February 27th, 2017, 11:20 PM

It was like last season again tonight, back to the old tactics, pressing and quick balls to Vardy. That said Hull won't give us as much room to play on Saturday.

February 27th, 2017, 10:59 AM	#19635
Old Jud Vintage Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 840 Thanks: 7,251 Thanked 8,633 Times in 819 Posts	United vs Southampton As already stated in a previous post, the better team lost. The Saints should have walked off the pitch at half time with the score level, and up to the 87th minute should have had a deserved 3-2 lead. The Saints had a game plan, they out-paced and outplayed us from the kick off. No doubt most observers might have thought that they would run out of steam in the second half, and United would then dominate, clearly that did not happen. Anyone unfamiliar with English football could have mistaken the Saints as a top three side chasing the title and European qualification, and United as a mid table side hoping to snatch some glory from another disappointing season. Let's not forget that we fielded a strong team against the Saints, but we missed the services of Mkhitaryan who is becoming a more influential player with each game he plays. Southampton fans and the club can hold their heads high, they performed magnificently and can feel justifiably robbed on the day. So what did we learn from the game? Not a lot that we don't already know really, United are a 'one trick pony' heavily relying on Ibrahimović. And that was the difference yesterday, that was the one and only area in which we had an advantage over the Saints, we had an (ageing) world-class striker on the pitch and they didn't. Remove Ibrahimović from the equation and all we have in attack is a past his sell by date Rooney, a trio of youngsters (Martial, Rashford, and Lingard) with question marks surrounding their potential. It's vital that the club secure the services of Ibrahimovic for next season, and buy either another established world class striker, or a outstanding young talent in the summer to supplement him. Last edited by Old Jud; February 27th, 2017 at 11:27 AM..

February 27th, 2017, 08:54 PM	#19637
Devius Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: It's a London Thing.... Posts: 23,514 Thanks: 142,123 Thanked 228,365 Times in 23,543 Posts	Premier League FULL TIME: Leicester 3-1 Liverpool In their first game since Ranieri's sacking, Vardy gives Leicester lead with low strike - reward for strong Foxes start. Drinkwater then scores a stunning second from 25 yards Vardy heads in second after flowing move Coutinho slots in to give Liverpool hope In deference to fellow VEF member captain fanta I will refrain from any further comment on Leicester. But no doubt Liverpool will bounce back again against Le Arse (more likely Arsenal will be their usual ineffectual selves) __________________ "I've had it with them, I've had it with you, I've had it with ALL THIS - I WANT ROOM SERVICE!* I want the club sandwich, I want the cold Mexican beer, I want a $10,000-a-night hooker!"* Johnny Mnemonic (1995)

February 27th, 2017, 09:29 PM	#19638
snowy25 Vintage Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 6,664 Thanked 23,144 Times in 2,260 Posts	A shocking performance by Leicester players. A completely different attitude to that shown over the last few weeks and months. Vardy especially running for balls he gave up on just a few weeks ago. In defence of the players it maybe down to formation or tactics but they certainly looked a different 11 to those who played previously and got their manager the sack. Movement was better and players seemed hungry to show what they can do. Another huge thing missing in the last few weeks. As plenty of Foxes fans said in the pub during the game where was this effort previously. It obviously helped that Liverpool were completely useless. Klopp needs to do something because a win here and there is not going to keep him in the job should they fail to qualify for Europe. What I find most annoying about players who clearly down tools when they want the manager gone is that its the fans that suffer. The fans pay to watch their team and they give less than 100% and football is not cheap these days. If players want their manager gone then act professional, play until the end of the season and then push for him to go. Either that or play to your best and explain you want the manager gone and why. However give 100% at all times. . Last edited by snowy25; February 27th, 2017 at 09:36 PM..

February 27th, 2017, 11:17 PM	#19639
Greenman Live Legend of VEF Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Underground lair somewhere in the world Posts: 20,353 Thanks: 30,936 Thanked 383,520 Times in 19,356 Posts	That was one of the worst performances by Liverpool against a team that was on the ropes but all credit to Leicester they completely out-thought, outplayed and outscored us. I hope to goodness we don't play that badly against Arsenal and Everton but at least we will have home advantage and the Anfield Roar will be needed more than ever-Top 4? It is asking a lot I fear that Europa might be our best bet but surely we can do better than last year? __________________ There was only ONE Greenman, and you accepted no substitutes! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Rest in peace MaxJoker-you will be sorely missed. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 20,000: Milestone reached!

February 26th, 2017, 11:35 PM	#19631
mitchspur Vintage Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5,659 Thanks: 10,164 Thanked 87,379 Times in 5,774 Posts	Harry Kane scores 23-minute hat-trick for dominant Tottenham - third hat-trick in nine games. Kane then turns provider for Dele Alli to finish from inside the six-yard area. And yet I've been asked TWO SEASONS running now. If I think he will be a one season wonder????!!!!!! This hat-trick was sheer quality. When he first started, I think he's another Lee Chapman. But now he is sheer class. Why can't he do it for England???????

February 27th, 2017, 02:57 AM	#19632
buttsie Porn Archeologist Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: earth Posts: 12,714 Thanks: 92,252 Thanked 241,301 Times in 12,746 Posts	Why do any club players never quite make it on the big stage? I think it gots more to do with who else is picked and how their used I've never seen a club use 5 strikers in 4 games with any level of success like England did in the Euros....struck me that nobody had a clue who their best 11 were. England remind me of Spurs under Vilas boas with no Gareth Bale to save them

February 27th, 2017, 03:52 PM	#19636
footstep Lost luggages? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: France Posts: 7,268 Thanks: 92,097 Thanked 86,765 Times in 7,170 Posts	Marseille Paris 1 5...

February 27th, 2017, 11:20 PM	#19640
captain fanta Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 79 Thanks: 39,827 Thanked 1,012 Times in 75 Posts	It was like last season again tonight, back to the old tactics, pressing and quick balls to Vardy. That said Hull won't give us as much room to play on Saturday.