Carling Cup Final

[IcemanLeigh]

The final of the mickey mouse cup has just kicked off, the experience of chelsea, against the likes of 'young gun' 26 year old Baptista.. (So young..)

Any predictions? Anyone watching?

Personally after watching the Arsenal vs Tottenham semi final, i thought that the arsenal team showed signs of inspiration and creation, but overall looked a bit weak and poor and should have been hammered by a poor tottenham team (who were missing about the same amount of players that arsenal left out, but that got overlooked obviously.. :rolleyes: ) and the game was gifted to them with some very poor goals.

I think that after chelsea get a bit of possesion, arsenal fans quiet down and the adrenaline from the younger players on the arsenal team dies out, then Chelsea should take control.

Although so far Arsenal have looked the better team, and probably should have just scored, Im sticking with chelsea to win 2-1. Although depending on how quiet the arsenal fans go, chelsea could run riot later in the game if they get control. Its key for arsenal to keep attacking and not try to defend the game.

Edit:

1-0 Arsenal, Walcott, 13. First ever goal for Arsenal, not a bad time to get it really... lol

Looks like it should be a good final..

Edit 2:
1-1, Drogba, 20.

[Liam]

Can you watch this match over the internet? Free of course ;)

[Gaskin]

Well Arsenal were dominating the game untill Drogba's (offside) goal went in, didn't think Chelsea deserved one to be honest. They're being out played by the Arsenal youngsters and I could easily see Arsenal leave today with the silver.

[IcemanLeigh]

Can you watch this match over the internet? Free of course ;)

You can do anything if you try.. ;)

I am currently also watching Tottenham vs Bolton.. Try and find that on English tv.. ;)

P.S, Chelsea's goal was not offisde. Andy Gray needs to take his tongue out of Wengers arse and realise that senderous was clearly in line with Drogba. The attacking team is supposed to get the benefit of the doubt anyway. Not that there should have been any cause it was onside.

Edit:
Thank the lord for Jamie Redknapp and Gary Mcallister to tell it how it is. Both said onside, both were right. Andy Gray can eat my socks or something..

[Razor]

2 - 1 to Chelsea 83rd minute Drogba scored :)

[IcemanLeigh]

I was just coming here to post that.. ;). Shoulda put a bet on 2-1 chelsea.. :P

Dont forget the moutain of added on time that there should be though for Terrys injury..

[Gaskin]

Well let's be honest, Chelsea didn't deserve it.

[Razor]

If they didn't deserve it the score wouldn't have been 2-1 lol.

[Gaskin]

You realise how stupid that comment is? lol

Just because you win doesn't mean you deserve it. Silly.

[jodahunter]

lolz at the handbags at the end, would of liked to see adebayor deck howard webb tho.

But overall top quality sky plus viewing :D

[Xg Corkin]

Neither deserved it, Man Utd should of won it but we will just have to settle for the Premership aw well. :)

[Menace Red3]

i was there :( and sadly we lost but couldnt be more prouder of the team fantastic performance unfortunalty our little youngsters plus baptista haha couldnt beat the 120million pound team of chelsea arhh well :( hoping to get into the FA Cup final.

[Spindryer]

I dont want to talk about it.

[IcemanLeigh]

I dont want to talk about it.

Oh yea! Almost forgot Mr dryer was an Arsenal fan ;)

Cannot beleive that Arsenal are trying to appeal against Adebayors ban though. That is ridiculous, did u not see him jump over the top and lamp someone, then behave the way he did after being shown the red card.

Plus, did you hear that Terry went out and got pissed that night... lol. And i thought he was dead when it happened..

[Xg Corkin]

i was there and sadly we lost but couldnt be more prouder of the team fantastic performance unfortunalty our little youngsters plus baptista haha couldnt beat the 120million pound team of chelsea arhh well hoping to get into the FA Cup final.

Excuses, excuses. I could honestly see Blackburn beat yous tomorrow night.

[IcemanLeigh]

I know, wrong thread, but....

The utd game was an absolute beast. 3-0 inside 6 minutes then reading bring it back to 3-2 and hit the bar in added time. Unbelieveable stuff, I was just pulling out another beer for extra time!

The beer instead was drank whilst watching shameless..

[Xg Corkin]

Through to the 1/4 finals with our second team, not bad. Now we can bring out the big guns for Liverpool and hopefully get a good result. :)

[Menace Red3]

Excuses, excuses. I could honestly see Blackburn beat yous tomorrow night.

excuses? are u thick?? i wasnt saying any excuses i said we lost but we played really well is that a crime **** me manc are scum. You say nothing about them and start a arguement :S wierd.

[Xg Corkin]

Aw, why are you in a bad mood, wait, might it be because Arsenal are out of the FA Cup and now you have no hope of winning a trophy this season :)

[Bonzo]

Aw, why are you in a bad mood, wait, might it be because Arsenal are out of the FA Cup and now you have no hope of winning a trophy this season :)
Theres nothing like rubbing salt into the wounds :p

[Xg Corkin]

Theres nothing like rubbing salt into the wounds

Im sure they'd do the same if it happened to Man Utd. Also what a goal form McCarthey.

[Spindryer]

*grabs soap box

I am proud of Arsenals youth for getting to the final of the Carling cup, they had to beat a lot of first teams including Liverpool to get there. I thought in the final they played the best they could and gave Chelsea a run for there money.

The fight at the end of game would(should) of made any and Arsenal fan and Chelsea fan feel ashamed. I felt more Arsenal players SHOULD have got a RED than just 2 of them and i think at least Lampard should of got red as well.

Apart from them 5 mad minutes of the end of the game I’m proud of the way the youth of Arsenal played throughout the Competition and i can only hope next season these players will be playing on a regular basis for out first team.

[NeoKubrick]

The fight at the end of game would(should) of made any and Arsenal fan and Chelsea fan feel ashamed.
If I wanted commentary from a Sky Sports reporter, I would pay for it. ;)

[Spindryer]

You right, that will be

[Gaskin]

Aw, why are you in a bad mood, wait, might it be because Arsenal are out of the FA Cup and now you have no hope of winning a trophy this season :)

You realise his comment was at 6.22.. before the Arsenal game had even started.. let alone finsihed. Thus making you look stupid. No hope of winning a trophy this season, you're having a laugh right? We've got just as much chance as you have in the CL, so you can shutup about that. Premiership, yeah we've had a fecked up season by injuries etc. But you know it's a one off if you win the league, next season will be dominated by Chelsea and Arsenal. We should already have a cup under our belt and be in round 5 if it wasn't for poor reffing and awful luck.

/rant.

p.s Bristol City ftw. Championship next season for sure!

[Dark]

you're an idiot if you think man u wont be in the title race next year

[IcemanLeigh]

you're an idiot if you think man u wont be in the title race next year

Dont worry. He is an idiot when it comes to football... ;)

I dont think anyone can seriously descirbe how Man utd have been playing as a 'fluke' It has been pure consistency, and this season have deserved the title so far and its gonna take something special from chelsea or an absolute collapse of utd to change the outcome..

[Gaskin]

Dont worry. He is an idiot when it comes to football... ;)

I dont think anyone can seriously descirbe how Man utd have been playing as a 'fluke' It has been pure consistency, and this season have deserved the title so far and its gonna take something special from chelsea or an absolute collapse of utd to change the outcome..

When did I say it was a fluke? Dumbass :p . Said it was a one off season, I also didn't say man united won't be in the title race.. just that the league will be dominated by Arsenal and Chelsea.. everyone's in the title race silly. :p
Next season, Arsenal's players will be even more experienced and should be to full potential or close to it anyway. And we all know chelsea will buy a whole new team if they lose the league.

[Dark]

nah man u finished 2nd last season as well remember.

and i doubt the youth will be played a lot next year for arsenal, might see some of them but they arn't going to dominate the prem.

[Finno]

Firstly Corkin, don't try to rub it in. It's pointless and you could well end regretting it when they all take the piss if things go wrong for United - they've won nothing yet. I seem to remember United throwing it away from this kind of position before, and, although I hope and expect them to go on to win it this season, considering they have to travel to Anfield and Stamford Bridge, wait until the end of the season to boast about how good Manu are. Plus Arsenal have no chance in any competitions? As Gaskin says, what about the Champions League? They got to the final last year, and are still well in it!

I've got to agree with most of what Spindryer said, except the Liverpool first team. It was very much a half-and-half team, if that. I was very impressed, having not watched any earlier rounds of the Carling Cup, with the Arsenal team in the final. I thought they looked a very good side, making Chelsea look very ordinary at times, and give them five years, and who knows how good some of them will be then.

Manu will be up there again next season. I can't really see how you can deny that. They have had a very good season with injuries (which was probably right, considering the last couple of the seasons where their luck has hardly been great - what a difference Scholes has made coming back into the side), and have profited from slip-ups from teams who haven't been quite so lucky. But, they have been superb. Consistantly playing very good football, and beating decent sides comfortably. When Arsenal are on top form, I don't think anyone can deny they are the best footballing team in the league (I think it was Reading where they were incredible), but due to injuries and a lack of consistency, they haven't been able to reproduce that form every week.

Also, we should probably wait to see what happens in the summer with transfers before we comment on who will "dominate" the league. Manu will surely buy a striker to replace Larsson, and will probably continue their interest in Hargreaves. Chelsea could buy anyone, although a partner for Drogba will probably be their priority. It will be interesting to see who the manager is there next season too, with all the rumours circulating. All of Arsenal's young players will be more experienced next season, and, if they can stay reasonably injury free, and if Henry regains his form could well be right up there challenging. And don't forget Liverpool. With the extra money they might have to spend during the summer, they could buy some real quality, especially a striker or two, as the rest of the team looks very strong.

Sorry about the length of the post:eek: it's been ages since I posted on this site, and I had a lot to say:)

[Gaskin]

I <3 you finno. I must say I love your footballing views, I can read your posts with a smile as your knowledge of football is brilliant and you really know what you're talking about. I do agree with pretty much all of what you said to be honest.

What I find funny is Man United fans ripping Arsenal for losing in the carling cup and fa cup when they were knocked out in the carling cup by Southend (A team struggling at the bottom of the Championship) and struggled to beat Reading (A newly promoted side) the other day in the FA cup. You can't go saying we're a bad team either as we've beaten you twice in the league now.. and haven't lost to Chelsea, Tottenham or Liverpool (Three of the other top 5 teams in the league) so hush. Would like to see how the rest of this season pans out, although my main concern is Bristol City. =D

[Menace Red3]

yeah thats true man.u fans are just angry at arsenal this season so they love it when we lose because we did the double on them this season :) best when i went to old trafford when all the arrogant mancs were there haha was funny trying to beat up a 5 year old and he was like 40 because he was chanting adebayor pffftt hmmm nice fans (Y)

[Xg Corkin]

I <3 you finno. I must say I love your footballing views, I can read your posts with a smile as your knowledge of football is brilliant and you really know what you're talking about. I do agree with pretty much all of what you said to be honest.

What I find funny is Man United fans ripping Arsenal for losing in the carling cup and fa cup when they were knocked out in the carling cup by Southend (A team struggling at the bottom of the Championship) and struggled to beat Reading (A newly promoted side) the other day in the FA cup. You can't go saying we're a bad team either as we've beaten you twice in the league now.. and haven't lost to Chelsea, Tottenham or Liverpool (Three of the other top 5 teams in the league) so hush. Would like to see how the rest of this season pans out, although my main concern is Bristol City. =D

If we went through who you's have beaten and who weve beaten then it would show that we would have beaten alot better teams that Arsenal (why were on the top of the table). Champions League, surely your having a laugh :p Sure Arsenal can't even beat a poor PSV team.As for the league being over, i didn't say that but if we beat Liverpool at the weekend then all the pressure will be on Chelsea becuase they'll be 12 points behind and having to win there two games in hand. As for Man Utd fans being angry, why would we when we have a the chance to win still THREE trophies. As for the title race next season, i could honestly see Henry leave Arsenal, and well if Chelsea can find a replacement for both Ballack and Shevenko then they'll be very hard to beat. ;) Man Utd will still be the team to push Chelsea the whole way for seasons to come.

[Gaskin]

So you're on the top of the league because you've beaten better teams.. um no, you're at the top of the table because you've been consistant in winning. We've been dicked by injuries and inconsistency (losing to sheff utd etc) but still manage to beat United twice, drawn with Chelsea and Beat Liverpool. Yeah we're awful :rolleyes:

The best football we've played this season has been without Henry, I know I'll get moaned at by everyone for this statement but I really don't care that much if he leaves.

I also think Liverpool will beat United tomorrow, and I can easily see United slipping up soon. Maybe tomorrow will be that day.

[Bonzo]

I hope Man U slip up, not because i hate them or anything just that it will create some tension and will make the title race more interesting.
Toon toon! black and white army!:p

[Finno]

Champions League, surely your having a laugh :p Sure Arsenal can't even beat a poor PSV team.

I didn't watch the Arsenal game, I instead watched United struggle against Lille, but I've heard Arsenal were atleast as good as PSV. PSV, Lille, not much of a difference in quality really, is there? And if you're completely honest, United could easily have lost that game, and if Arsenal's finishing was better, and if they'd been as lucky as United were with the disallowed goal, they could easily have won their game 1-0. I still fully expect Arsenal to go through. And again I'd just like to remind you they made it all the way to the final last year.

As for the title race next season, i could honestly see Henry leave Arsenal, and well if Chelsea can find a replacement for both Ballack and Shevenko then they'll be very hard to beat. ;) Man Utd will still be the team to push Chelsea the whole way for seasons to come.

Surely you have to recognise that Arsenal do have an amazing amount of very good youngsters right? Add that to the extra revenue they will receive from the new stadium, and give the youngsters a few seasons to gain some experience, and they will be up there with Chelsea and United I expect. Also don't forget Liverpool. They've had a horrible few seasons for injuries, and with a couple of quality strikers, could easily be challenging from next season onwards.

Henry is quality. He's had a hard season with injuries, but still has a very good goals per game record. However, unlike a couple of years ago, I feel if Arsenal lose him, they won't be completely screwed. Maybe his injuries in a way have helped the rest of the team to learn how to cope without him? Adebayor and Van Persie have both really impressed this season, and could both be scoring goals for Arsenal for ages.

Sorry Corkin if it seems I'm having a go at you, it's really not what I'm trying to do:)

And if anyone is assuming that I support Arsenal from what I've said, you couldn't be further from the truth:D

[IcemanLeigh]

Personally.. I fully expect Arsenal to sell half of the team that got to the carling cup final. They always do, and under Wenger they always will. Thats just how they do it. The carling cup has been no more than a cattle market for Arsenal. Showing off their young meat to gain interest from buyers. As well as keeping some of the out of the first team players happy.

Yes i dislike Arsenal, and everything about them. Im not going to deny that. But it would be nice if just once they could use one of the English/British talents that they always so nearly produce, and push them into their first team. But instead they always pawn them off to lower clubs, who dont have the coaching staff or the experienced team to give the player what he needs to develop.

Leighs predicition. Justin Hoyte to be sold at the end of the season. Walcott would be sold, but he just isnt capable right now of producing anything that will warrant another club looking to pay more than the ridiculous amount of money that wenger spent on him.

[Xg Corkin]

I didn't watch the Arsenal game, I instead watched United struggle against Lille, but I've heard Arsenal were atleast as good as PSV. PSV, Lille, not much of a difference in quality really, is there? And if you're completely honest, United could easily have lost that game, and if Arsenal's finishing was better, and if they'd been as lucky as United were with the disallowed goal, they could easily have won their game 1-0. I still fully expect Arsenal to go through. And again I'd just like to remind you they made it all the way to the final last year.

Surely you have to recognise that Arsenal do have an amazing amount of very good youngsters right? Add that to the extra revenue they will receive from the new stadium, and give the youngsters a few seasons to gain some experience, and they will be up there with Chelsea and United I expect. Also don't forget Liverpool. They've had a horrible few seasons for injuries, and with a couple of quality strikers, could easily be challenging from next season onwards.

Henry is quality. He's had a hard season with injuries, but still has a very good goals per game record. However, unlike a couple of years ago, I feel if Arsenal lose him, they won't be completely screwed. Maybe his injuries in a way have helped the rest of the team to learn how to cope without him? Adebayor and Van Persie have both really impressed this season, and could both be scoring goals for Arsenal for ages.

Sorry Corkin if it seems I'm having a go at you, it's really not what I'm trying to do

And if anyone is assuming that I support Arsenal from what I've said, you couldn't be further from the truth

Maybe if five years they will challenge but i still can't see Arsenal youngsters play week in week out for the next couple of seasons. As for Liverpool challeneging for the title, the only way that'll happen if Benitez goes and they bring in a quality manager ( Should never of got rid of there old manager, forgot his name but he is now manager of Lyon and doing an amazing job).

And nah it didn't seem as if you were having a go at me. :D Portadown FC > Any other football team!:D

[Finno]

Oh well, I'll have to disagree with both of you then.

Walcott will stay at Arsenal. They won't embarrass themselves by selling him already. Hoyte may go, yes, but I reckon Walcott will be there for a few more seasons at least.

As for trying to bring through young English players, yes it is really frustrating how Arsenal always seem to have amazing foreign youth players, mixed in with one or two English ones. However, being in London surely makes it hard to get the best English players at a young age, as there are so many clubs around for competition. It would seem to be much easier to sign teenagers from other countries, and with the likes of Fabregas already playing superbly, and players such as Denilson and Traore coming throuh, you can hardly blame Wenger, as his only job is to make Arsenal as good as he can make them. It would be great if they could bring through some English stars, and their trying with Walcott, and have tried in the past, but it hasn't really worked, for example Francis Jeffers.

As for Benitez not being a good manager, no way! They've won a trophy both seasons he's been there (although they'd do well to win another this season), and with the Premiership being as competitive as it is, that's a good record. He's signed some real quality, Xabi Alonso for example, and turned the failures from Houllier's reign into Champions League Winners. And they really have had a bad time with injuries.

[Spindryer]

My view is that both Walcott and Hoyte will not only stay but they be key first team players next season.

I think there should be a rule that says a "squad" must contain x amount of home grown talent. At least then it would force bigger clubs to invest more i scouts and training there own youth up to the highest standard.

Still i am hugely optimistic about the rest of this season and next for Arsenal and the young guns. even though that Aldeire (cant spell his name sorry) Striker is set to move on out on loan now and make a 2.5 million move in the summer. Shame he looked good but with only something like 4 starts for Arsenal i don't blame him wanting to go.

[Xg Corkin]

As for Benitez not being a good manager, no way! They've won a trophy both seasons he's been there (although they'd do well to win another this season), and with the Premiership being as competitive as it is, that's a good record. He's signed some real quality, Xabi Alonso for example, and turned the failures from Houllier's reign into Champions League Winners. And they really have had a bad time with injuries.

I'd rather have Gerrard Houllier than Benitiz anyday, Houllier has turned Lyon into a worldclass team and only for one bad season he would probably still be manager of Liverpool. Benetis has signed some good players but has also signed lots of failures and still hasn't found a top class forward unless he get Eto.

[NeoKubrick]

Personally.. I fully expect Arsenal to sell half of the team that got to the carling cup final. They always do, and under Wenger they always will. Thats just how they do it. The carling cup has been no more than a cattle market for Arsenal. Showing off their young meat to gain interest from buyers. As well as keeping some of the out of the first team players happy.

Yes i dislike Arsenal, and everything about them. Im not going to deny that. But it would be nice if just once they could use one of the English/British talents that they always so nearly produce, and push them into their first team. But instead they always pawn them off to lower clubs, who dont have the coaching staff or the experienced team to give the player what he needs to develop.

Leighs predicition. Justin Hoyte to be sold at the end of the season. Walcott would be sold, but he just isnt capable right now of producing anything that will warrant another club looking to pay more than the ridiculous amount of money that wenger spent on him.

Erm, they sell those youngsters, because those youngsters want first-team football, which Wenger can only provide to the top youngsters. Seems logical doesn't it? Your point is moot: Arsenal (or specifically Liam Brady and Arsene Wenger) have developed a great youth academy, which will churn out youngsters for years to come. It's the envy of Chelsea: Chelsea swiped Frank Arnesen from Tottenham to develop a Youth Academy akin to Arsenal's.

Manchester United have been very lucky this year with injuries, because, as evidenced against Reading, if any of their first-team midfield gets injured, they don't have the quality to replace him. Whereas, Arsenal have been unlucky with injuries (Diaby, Ljungberg, Rosicky, Henry, Van Persie, Gallas). Arsenal have let themselves down at the Emirates, and they should have turned several of their draws there, into deserved victories.

[IcemanLeigh]

My view is that both Walcott and Hoyte will not only stay but they be key first team players next season.

I would like to see it. But i simply dont think it will happen.

Shoot me down, but i dont think that Walcott is that great a player. Dont get me wrong, with his pace then experience could play a key part in his development, giving him confidence and seeing him produce some great football. At the moment though i dont see it. It was an absolutely superb finish against chelsea in the final and i thought that he would be a key player for the rest of the game with confidence. But it seemed to go the other way, he looked like he wanted to drop his wing duties and go for glory, always dropping into the middle trying to get a lucky break through one of the best defences in football today... again. He went quiet. I think that alot of media attention has been put on him and it is all over positive. He goes games without doing much then provides one cross to henry to score and gets praise for being an amazing talent.

If he can improve his strength, confidence, movement, and ability to beat a player WITH the ball, then i would love to see him progress as a striker, but right now i dont think he is any better on the right wing than many of these right wingers that eventually get dropped. Park Ji Sung, Wright-Philips (although mostly due to lack of first team) and Richardson.

[Xg Corkin]

Manchester United have been very lucky this year with injuries, because, as evidenced against Reading, if any of their first-team midfield gets injured, they don't have the quality to replace him.

Yes because getting to the Quarter-final of the FA Cup with your seocnd team shows that you don't have good replacemeats, go figure.

Silvestre, Park, Dong, O'Shea, Heinze, Soljaer, Brown, Smith and Rossi all dont get 1st team football and are quality players.

[Spindryer]

Walcott has a touch like a rapist sometimes and he lets him self down and has done in many ways so far for Arsenal, that’s the truth of the matter. The reason i hold hope is he has the so much pace its frightening and he has a good football brain. You watch him and u can see he does try and do the right pass's at the right times but his touch lets him down. He is great off the ball and fights hard for it when he hasn’t got it.

I live in Norwich and Norwich FC are of course in the championship. Most of my mates support Norwich and i spend time watching championship games (im forced by my work mates). I saw Walcott while he was at Southampton and he raped. His pace was just lightning and he no problems with his touch or his confidence as a player.

Why i hold hope for him is because i remember how he was playing at Southampton and i know all he needs is a regular place in the first team and he will get back his form. When that happens he will become "imo" our star player and also a beckon of hope for England.

Now of course this could go the other way and he might not get many more first team games which would be a shame and if that happens i hope to god he kicks up a fuss and they either sell him or loan him out. He’s young and he needs games under his belt.

[NeoKubrick]

I'd rather have Gerrard Houllier than Benitiz anyday, Houllier has turned Lyon into a worldclass team and only for one bad season he would probably still be manager of Liverpool. Benetis has signed some good players but has also signed lots of failures and still hasn't found a top class forward unless he get Eto.
Well, Houllier inherited a good Lyon team; he has definitely kept them on-top, but he didn't turn them into a world-class team. Santini did (I was corrected on this too - I thought Le Guen was the man who did it).


And Corkin, but for luck and a stupid defensive system for the first twenty minutes of the match, Reading's second team would have kicked you out. ;)

Ferguson wasn't roaring at his players for nothing, you know?

[Dark]

man u were so bad in the second half against reading.

and benitez has won more in the last 2 seasons then ferguson, even if they havn't been as good in the prem.

[Xg Corkin]

And Corkin, but for luck and a stupid defensive system for the first twenty minutes of the match, Reading's second team would have kicked you out.

Luck ha, so was it lucky that we scored 3 and they only scored 2. We dominated the first half and could have been 5 or 6 up but then in the second half just played out the game and didn't attack which was stupid.

[Gaskin]

Yes because getting to the Quarter-final of the FA Cup with your seocnd team shows that you don't have good replacemeats, go figure.

Players with First Team next to them, could easily or should be in the first team.

* 01 Van der Sar - First team
* 27 Silvestre
* 06 Brown - First Team
* 05 Ferdinand - First Team
* 04 Heinze - First Team
* 13 Park - First Team
* 22 O'Shea - First Team
* 24 Fletcher - First Team
* 23 Richardson
* 09 Saha (76 Rooney ) - First Team, First Team
* 20 Solskjaer (89 Ronaldo ) First Team, First Team.

Good 'second team' there... :rolleyes: 'Go figure!'

[Hursti]

Lets see, out of them...how many of them have actually started half of the games this season.

At the moment most of them are backup players, although they have the quality to be in the first team...for example:

Brown(reserve for Neville)
Silvestre(reserve for Vidic)
Heinze(should start in my opinion, but reserve to Evra)
Park(reserve for Scholes)
O'Shea(reserve for Carrick)
Fletcher(reserve for Ronaldo)
Richardson(reserve for Giggs)
Saha(reserve for Larsson at the moment)
Solskjaer(reserve for Rooney)

Which leaves only Van Der Sar and Ferdinand...

[Xg Corkin]

* 01 Van der Sar - First team
* 27 Silvestre
* 06 Brown - Never plays, rserve.
* 05 Ferdinand - First Team
* 04 Heinze - Never plays, reserve for Evra
* 13 Park - Never plays, reserve for giggs
* 22 O'Shea - Never plays, reserve for Carrick
* 24 Fletcher - Never plays reserve for Scholes
* 23 Richardson
* 09 Saha (76 Rooney ) -
* 20 Solskjaer (89 Ronaldo ) Solskjaer is defintely a reserve for Rooney, Larsson and Saha

So in conclusion as Hursti said only two players in our full team, 'Go Figure.'

Our First team goes like this

Van Der Sar
G.Neville
Ferdinand
Vidic
Evra
C.Ronaldo
Scholes
Carrick
Giggs
Rooney
Larsson or Saha.

[Hursti]

Look at our line-up against Liverool today...just thought i'd prove my point...and Corkin's lol

Edwin Van der Sar

Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra

C. Ronaldo, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs

Wayne Rooney, Henrik Larsson

Subs: Tomasz Kuszczak, Wes Brown, Louis Saha, John O'Shea, Mikael Silvestre

[IcemanLeigh]

The team who started (and got very lucky) against Liverpool today, is definitely Man utds strongest team. Any other player is a reserve, except for saha i suppose who is pretty much a rotated first team player. Oh and of course the wonder sub O'Shea.. lol.

Just because Man utd arnt playing youngsters like 26 year old Baptista, doesnt mean that it is not their second team.

[Gaskin]

No but half of those players should be in the first team, I don't rate vidic or evra and Saha should be in instead of Larrson. Annoying that United got lucky again in the last few minutes.. I've never wanted Chelsea to do so well tbh. Really have a hatred for United.

[ScK ReVeNgE]

Luck ha, so was it lucky that we scored 3 and they only scored 2. We dominated the first half and could have been 5 or 6 up but then in the second half just played out the game and didn't attack which was stupid.

I turned my Tv on to watch this just as Kitson scored and at the time the commentator said that Reading had been threatening for 5 or 10 minutes and for the rest of the match Reading were the better team (despite the fact they weren't that good) so I don't know how you can say you dominated, 5 or 6 goals? are ya kiddin? I only remember a Richardson shot from the edge of the box which was sh1te that could have been a goal, and at that time Kitson had already scored.

As for the second half, how were you's just sitting back? what match were you watching? Reading were the better team and anyone who argues against that is an imbescile. Ferguson was sweating big time thats why he brought on Rooney and Ronaldo. And i'd be willing to make a bet that when Reading hit the bar you were sh1ttin yourself.

Fair enough Utd won but they weren't the better team, it was the same against Liverpool. Stop trying to make out that Utd play amazing every match because they don't, over the years i've found that its impossible for united fans to admit to anything and this thread is doing nothing to convince me otherwise.

And whats up with Hursti and Corkin posting pretty much the same thing in three or four posts in a row, everyone knows who is in utd's first team but that doesn't mean the other players aren't capable of playing in it too. Thats why Gaskin said "Players with First Team next to them, could easily or should be in the first team",

Fletcher and Park have played numerous times for the first team, why are they not classed as first team players? because they haven't played enough, that must mean lots of Liverpool players aren't first team players either because they got rested or injured.

Not all Liverpool players always start does that mean all these players are first team players?

Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia or Agger
Riise or Arbeloa
Pennant or Gerrard
Sissoko or Zenden
Alonso or Luis Garcia
Gonzalez or Aurelio (or Kewell)
Kuyt
Crouch or Bellamy

Theres 19 players, how do I decide who is and who isn't first team :confused:

[Gaskin]

Fletcher's had 24 caps this season (28 including fa cup) - I'd pretty much call that first team.

[Xg Corkin]

Liverpool 0 - 1 Man Utd, 9 points clear and 9 games left, end of. Atm we are the best team in England and if you argue otherwise your stupid. :)

[Gaskin]

Why are you? Because you can beat an under-performing Liverpool with a lucky goal in the last minute? Now that does prove you're the best team in England yeah.. :rolleyes:

You're the most consistant team in England, and I guess that sortof makes you the 'best'. But you don't play the best football.

'Go figure!'

[Xg Corkin]

Weve been playing better football than anybody this season, the last couple of weeks has been a bad spell but the difference is we are winning when were playing bad, as for the match today, was at a Portaodwn match so can't comment on it untill MOTD tonight.

[Spindryer]

*I can't believe how lucky we are, not only have we Man U fans using these forums but they can speak English as well :O. There’s me thinking the majority of Man U fans were only from China and Japan, how luckly are we.


Its also hard to believe that Man UTD is the most hated Club in the English Premiership from the what i have read from what seems to be very loyal and modest Man u fans.


To all those wanna be Chelsea fans out there just remember that Man UTD was buying the title years and years before any club like Chelsea could even be credit let along have the sort of money in the club to buy who ever they wanted.


How proud should a Man U fan be.........



----------------


* All of the above is crap , anyone that supports Man is looked down upon on the footballing world and so they should be. I show more respect to a Tottenham fan (no offence) or even a blood League 3 side than a Man u fan.

[jodahunter]

under-performing liverpool side??? pffttt, s'if

They played the best they could.... and still lost

[Gaskin]

If you seriously think Man united play the best football in the league then you must be blind or don't watch any other games. Even Tottenham play better football than united.

[Xg Corkin]

If you seriously think Man united play the best football in the league then you must be blind or don't watch any other games. Even Tottenham play better football than united.

Tottenham playing better football than Man Utd, you must be joking. How much goals have we scored this season? 66, that just speaks for itself.

[Gaskin]

That doesn't mean you've been playing good football. Take today for example, John O Shea got a lucky rebound off the keeper and hit it into the net. Yeah that's brilliant football..

Oh and Smith is a brilliant player, possibly my favourite.. his all round game is brilliant. (I'm talking about the Smith that just signed for Bristol City btw)

[Xg Corkin]

Oh and Smith is a brilliant player, possibly my favourite.. his all round game is brilliant. (I'm talking about the Smith that just signed for Bristol City btw)

Are you serious or joking, i hate him mainly because when he played in the Irish league he played for scummy Glentoran (our rivals).

[Gaskin]

I'm being serious, good pace, good touch, enthusiastic. Possibly my favourite player.

[Spindryer]

Looks like i got away with my rant - woot

[Xg Corkin]

Looks like i got away with my rant - woot

LOL. Well im used to it now, everybody hates Man Utd for one reason only, jealousy. We've been the best team in England since the Premership was made and because of that everybody hates us. Thats also the reason why everybody hates Chelsea now. :)

[Hursti]

To all those wanna be Chelsea fans out there just remember that Man UTD was buying the title years and years before any club like Chelsea could even be credit let along have the sort of money in the club to buy who ever they wanted.


Did you never think that we could do this because we earnt the money by winning competitions, unlike Chelsea who got bought by someone with too much money to waste.

Looks like i got away with my rant - woot

Not exactly lol

I admit, we have had a few crap games this season...but wouldn't you like to play crap and still win...it's a bit obvious what's going to happen on a good day.

Man Utd, Top of the league, 9 points clear, lets keep winning :)

[Finno]

No but half of those players should be in the first team, I don't rate vidic or evra and Saha should be in instead of Larrson.

Firstly, Vidic has had a superb season. Him and Ferdinand have been superb together all season. Evra's still not the best full back defensively, but is good going forward (was it Arsenal where he made that superb assist for Rooney?) They were both dodgy at first when they arrived last season, but have both turned out to be very good signings.

Not all Liverpool players always start does that mean all these players are first team players?

Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia or Agger
Riise or Arbeloa
Pennant or Gerrard
Sissoko or Zenden
Alonso or Luis Garcia
Gonzalez or Aurelio (or Kewell)
Kuyt
Crouch or Bellamy

Theres 19 players, how do I decide who is and who isn't first team

The confusion is whether people mean first team as strongest team or players who play a lot for the team. The top 4 (with the exception maybe of Chelsea) have all rotated players this season. Liverpool's strongest team (in Benitez's view) seems to be:

Reina
Finnan
Riise
Carragher
Agger
Gerrard
Gonzalez
Alonso
Sissoko
Kuyt
Bellamy

And to be fair, it did seem as though people were talking about strongest team. Arsenal's Carling Cup team was made up mainly of first team players, players who Wenger has and will use in the Premiership, just had very few members of their strongest team.

I know many Liverpool fans who wouldn't class players like Zenden as first team. They've had so many injuries this season though, that most of those players have played quite a few games.

Why are you? Because you can beat an under-performing Liverpool with a lucky goal in the last minute? Now that does prove you're the best team in England yeah..

No, but the league table does. That's the way it works I'm afraid. Teams competing to be the best, and the best is the team who wins the league.

To all those wanna be Chelsea fans out there just remember that Man UTD was buying the title years and years before any club like Chelsea could even be credit let along have the sort of money in the club to buy who ever they wanted.

To be fair, the two situations are very different, are they not? United didn't get all their money from an investor did they (I don't really know so I may be wrong)? Didn't they just have more money than anyone else because they had the biggest stadium, meaning the most gate receipts, and signed good deals for the club. Aren't Arsenal trying to do the same. Football is a business, from the top of the Premiership, to the Conference, and I think you have to give credit to United for how well they ran the club. (As I said earlier, this is based on what I thought to be true, I may be wrong).

Its also hard to believe that Man UTD is the most hated Club in the English Premiership from the what i have read from what seems to be very loyal and modest Man u fans.

They do exist, it's just that, being one of the best supported teams in the world, they have more than their fair share of idiots too (every club has them) who are just more vocal than the real fans.

If you seriously think Man united play the best football in the league then you must be blind or don't watch any other games. Even Tottenham play better football than united.

:rolleyes:

United have played some great football to watch, remember games like 4-0 away at Bolton. They play superb, quick, skillfull, attacking football, and, overall, I think they have played the best football in the league this year. Arsenal, on their day are comfortably a better footballing team than anyone else in the league, but United have been consistently great to watch. Up until the last few weeks, they've been winning most of their games comfortably, and with plenty of goals. As for Tottenham playing better football:rolleyes:

That doesn't mean you've been playing good football. Take today for example, John O Shea got a lucky rebound off the keeper and hit it into the net. Yeah that's brilliant football..

And Arsenal scored another penalty yesterday. Not the best goal I've ever seen either. (Baptista's goal was good though).

At least the fact I sided with the Arsenal fans in a few posts and the United fans in this one shows I'm not biased.

Again apologies for the length of the post:eek:

[Gaskin]

You've taken some of my quotes out of context..

For one: I said United were the best team in england because of their consistancy, but beating liverpool with a lucky goal doesn't make them the best team.

Two: I still stick with my comment that Tottenham play better football (on a good day).

Three: I never stated that goals meant you played good football like Corkin did.

[Finno]

For one: I said United were the best team in england because of their consistancy, but beating liverpool with a lucky goal doesn't make them the best team.

You were replying to this post by Corkin

Liverpool 0 - 1 Man Utd, 9 points clear and 9 games left, end of. Atm we are the best team in England and if you argue otherwise your stupid.

You did, grudgingly, say that their consistancy "sortof" makes them the best team in England. I'm saying that what Corkin said, and you basically disagreed with, was true, and that because they are 9 points clear with 9 games in hand, they are the best team in England. Winning games like that is why they are the best team in England. Winning games is what counts, how you win them, at the end of the day, is insignificant.

Two: I still stick with my comment that Tottenham play better football (on a good day).

How did I take this quote out of context? I think that's rubbish, as, when United are on top form, with Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs, Scholes and Saha all on form, they are great to watch. But I suppose that is all about opinion.

Three: I never stated that goals meant you played good football like Corkin did.

And I never said you did...

[Dark]

gaskin you are actually a retard

if you think vidic shouldn't be in the first team you must be dumb. i would probably say at least 50% of your views are complete bull said by someone who seems to know nothing about football and is just an arsenal fanboy. you can't admit man u have been the best in the prem this year because you hate them but man u fans can admit arsenal play better football on their day.

[Gaskin]

Um.. I did say Man United were the best team in the premiership this season, so what are you going on about? I said that they don't play the best football and that beating Liverpool with a lucky goal doesn't make them the best team in the league.

50% of my views are probably against United, so yeah of course you're not going to agree with them you silly billy.

Oh and yes I'm actually mentally ill, or a 'retard' as you put it. That's why I can use capital letters, aren't I a clever boy.

[IcemanLeigh]

There are alot of long posts in this thread so even though i am very opinionated, i will try and keep it as short as possible..

First of all..

I am a spurs fan, and this season i can admit that we really have played some of the worst football in the premiership. Alot of it has consisted of Berbatov or Mido recieving a long ball and flicking it on for defoe or keane. Its only once Tottenham have stopped doing this, and let lennon and malbranque work the ball forward that we have seen our results turn for the better.

And as for Man utd playing better football than us, you have to be blind. Man utd play without any doubt in my mind the best football in the premiership.

Everyone says arsenal do, and this point is going to be controversial, but please think about it rather than just pawning it off as rubbish or just calling me bias, because it has nothing to do with that...

I dislike the way Arsenal play football. Straight out. Everyone always claims that they go for the pretty goal with 5 or 6 passes around the box instead of scoring the easy goal. I think this is complete and utter nonsense. Once you take your Andy Gray glasses off and watch Arsenal, this is not true at all. They ALWAYS look to pass to henry when near the box, when he is marked, they try to find a way to get it to him, or instead get very stuck for creativity, pass it around the edge of the area until one player grows the balls to have a long range shot. If not, they are usually defending so deep, allowing pressure, and then simply breaking with their pacy players.. Whats good about that?

Man utd is, and always has been under Ferguson, built around good football. They always know where other players are, their wingbacks overlap beautifully and thier midfielders provide great survice to the front men, who occasionally can afford to drop off.

This didnt happen against Liverpool, and hasnt always happened every game, but it would be ridiculous if it had.. But as everyone says, you win titles by winning the games in which you dont play well. These make the difference in points and is exactly what United have done this year.

Oh and last point.. Dont rate Vidic or Evra.. ?

L O L.

That is actually the funniest thing ive ever read in my life. How can you possiblily not rate Vidic or Evra? Especially Vidic.. If you ask me, these two players have been key in United being top of the league. Vidic is SO strong! and ridiculously good in the air even though he isnt the tallest of defenders. Probably one of the players of the year in my opinion. And evra.. Before the season started Heinze was being called on eof the best fullbacks in the world, and now Evra has forced himself into the first team in front of him.. That speaks for itself as far as im concerned..

That wasnt that brief really..

[Gaskin]

I didn't mean to say I don't rate Vidic, I meant to say I don't like him. But yeah, it came out wrong. Still think Heinze should be played ahead of Evra though. And Leigh you're never going to say Arsenal play good football because you're so bias against them it's unbelievable. You're like andy gray but reversed.

[IcemanLeigh]

but please think about it rather than just pawning it off as rubbish or just calling me bias, because it has nothing to do with that..

I didn't mean to say I don't rate Vidic, I meant to say I don't like him. But yeah, it came out wrong. Still think Heinze should be played ahead of Evra though. And Leigh you're never going to say Arsenal play good football because you're so bias against them it's unbelievable. You're like andy gray but reversed.

Honestly? One post after i said it? Are you honestly telling me you just did?

[Finno]

I dislike the way Arsenal play football. Straight out. Everyone always claims that they go for the pretty goal with 5 or 6 passes around the box instead of scoring the easy goal. I think this is complete and utter nonsense. Once you take your Andy Gray glasses off and watch Arsenal, this is not true at all. They ALWAYS look to pass to henry when near the box, when he is marked, they try to find a way to get it to him, or instead get very stuck for creativity, pass it around the edge of the area until one player grows the balls to have a long range shot. If not, they are usually defending so deep, allowing pressure, and then simply breaking with their pacy players.. Whats good about that?

I agree with most of what you say, but when it all goes right for Arsenal, they are superb to watch. For example Reading away this season. Bloody hell, they were frightening that day:eek:

[Dark]

That's why I can use capital letters, aren't I a clever boy.

haha i thought u might mention that. i've seen you have go at people for their spelling and literacy before and i think its so sad. why do you care that i don't use capitals?

also no i'm not saying i don't agree with your views i'm saying there rubish. now your saying you didn't mean that thing about evra and vidic? isn't that like earlier in the thread when you got proved wrong and said you didn't mean it like that or something?

and obviously you're wrong about the tottenham thing, especially when your brother who supports them puts up an argument against it

[NeoKubrick]

I dislike the way Arsenal play football. Straight out. Everyone always claims that they go for the pretty goal with 5 or 6 passes around the box instead of scoring the easy goal. I think this is complete and utter nonsense. Once you take your Andy Gray glasses off and watch Arsenal, this is not true at all. They ALWAYS look to pass to henry when near the box, when he is marked, they try to find a way to get it to him, or instead get very stuck for creativity, pass it around the edge of the area until one player grows the balls to have a long range shot. If not, they are usually defending so deep, allowing pressure, and then simply breaking with their pacy players.. Whats good about that?


You don't have a clue what you are talking about. Did you watch Arsenal against Juventus, or Manchester United? It sure as **** wasn't Henry who stepped up to the plate to beat either of those two teams. For one, he wasn't playing in the game at Old Trafford, yet Arsenal out-played Manchester United in pure footballing terms, and try to find a majority of pundits or writers who will disagree with that assertion.


Vidic is one hell of a player; he must be, because he makes Rio look like a decent defender - that's no mean feat.

[Spindryer]

Don't worry hes a spus fan, its expect to hear things like that.

[Gaskin]

haha i thought u might mention that. i've seen you have go at people for their spelling and literacy before and i think its so sad. why do you care that i don't use capitals?

also no i'm not saying i don't agree with your views i'm saying there rubish. now your saying you didn't mean that thing about evra and vidic? isn't that like earlier in the thread when you got proved wrong and said you didn't mean it like that or something?

and obviously you're wrong about the tottenham thing, especially when your brother who supports them puts up an argument against it

Because it's common sense, why not use capital letters?

Not agreeing with my views, saying they're rubbish.. that's the same thing love. Yes, I said I meant to say I do not like vidic or evra (I'll change the post if you really want me to darling), but I do think Heinze should be in place of evra. Me being 'proved' wrong and saying I don't mean it, erm okay.. when? Quote me then.. :rolleyes:

There's no right or wrong about my opinion, I think that tottenham play better football than Man United. My opinion isn't wrong, it's just my view on things silly.

Oh and of course my brother's going to against me in an 'arguement' as you call it, I'd say it's more of a discussion but yeah.. he's my brother.

Please tell me you're not DarkHawkX?

[Liam]

Calm down, everyone knows Everton are the best. No need to argue :D

[Dark]

Please tell me you're not DarkHawkX?

your point being?

I'm surprised heinze plays instead of evra as well seeing as he won player of the season for man u in his first season there but he hasn't been the same since he got injured

evra is much better at attacking though and the only time he struggles is against tall people.

[Spindryer]

Weren't u banned from MB ??



Please keep it ontopic, James. - Cat ;)

[Dark]

for a bit a few times ye

[Gaskin]

your point being?

Let's just say I'm dissapointed by your attitude considering we used to be close friends once.

[Liam]

Gaskin > Dark :eek:

[Dark]

Let's just say I'm dissapointed by your attitude considering we used to be close friends once.

Soz bruvs. I feel guilty now (note caps).

Liam husha your mouth.

[heyburt]

Awwww arsenal are out of the champions league aswell now... ITS JUST NOT FAIR ;)

Oh well...im sure the rest of the public will get over it.

x

[Gaskin]

Didn't see the match, heard we didn't deserve to draw though. The two best teams going out in the first knockout stage aye.. it's like the PES CL all over again ;)

[Dark]

soz arsenal wern't one of the two best teams.

last seasons final meant nothing this season

[Xg Corkin]

Well Arsenals season is well and truely over, although they didn't deserve to go out last night and had enough chances to win by 3 - 4 PSV did well. If Arsenal didn't overplay to much and actually have more shots at goal i could see them do a lot better.

Man Utd - Champions League 06-07 Winners! :)

[Hursti]

Man Utd - Champions League 06-07 Winners! :)

Yep, i agree with that... but you missed out the fact that we're going to win the treble...

Man Utd - Champions League Winners, Premiership Winners and FA Cup Winners 06-07 :)

[Gaskin]

soz arsenal wern't one of the two best teams.

last seasons final meant nothing this season

lol I was kidding.. jeeeeeez.

Can't see United winning the Champions League, definately not the treble.

Champions League winners - Valencia/Liverpool.

FA cup winners - Chelsea/Man United.

[Hursti]

lol I was kidding.. jeeeeeez.

Can't see United winning the Champions League, definately not the treble.

Champions League winners - Valencia/Liverpool.

FA cup winners - Chelsea/Man United.

So i imagine that you didn't mention the premiership because you think we might just win it?

[Gaskin]

Oh I know United should win the premiership, didn't think that needed to be mentioned tbh. Would like to see them drop a few points, so it's a bit closer towards the end for some good watching, but either way I don't mind.

[Dark]

nah they definatley wont win the champs league (hope I'm wrong though).

They have been poor in it ever since winning the comp and they havn't exactly been convincing this year.

Could win FA Cup which is more likely but I still can't see them beating chelsea especially now we picked up inuries so the premierleague should be close right to the finish.