Spudulike

Hodgson didn't know what to do with the pace of the English Spurs players; we took a genuinely, pacey and competitive team to the Euros and Roy played a slow game.

Some clumsy challenges from us. Liverpool are creating too many chances; we don't look well organised. Damn.

Not good so far, obv. I didn't buy the media line about LFC being poor but we need to make better use of our chances. 45 minutes to go, but a loss to this lot would be gutting.

Obviously a big game today. It'll be interesting to see how we perform under the burden of expectation (given our mental collapse at the end of last season). I don't buy the media narrative about Liverpool being in any form of trouble; it's too early in the season and today's game will be tough. I'm looking forward to the Chelsea v Burnley game too. I've a feeling, given the press coverage in recent weeks about refs not sending Costa off, that there's a risk that a ref may soon look to make an example of him.

Just about to go camping so I'll not be able to post about the weekend's football but good luck to CFC for the new season. I think Utd will do well but, tbh, the league is very, very hard to call. Good luck chaps!

Newcastle a goal down at half time to Fulham. The Championship is always competitive but there are some big players in it this season and a lot of pressure/expectation on them. Rafa will be expected to keep Newcastle in the mix or Ashley's patience will give.

Just realised that the new Championship season starts tonight!! It feels earlier again. We're still playing a test series! :-/

Perhaps it is the case that some players get so caught up in the game their instincts are reduced and they end up in situations they might otherwise avoid? Good point re. it likely being just another mugging.

I think it's the suggestion that he put himself in a dangerous situation (unknown private property) due to game. There are reports of people being mugged after chasing Pokemon into "bad" areas.

Blimey. I saw the news item about two US guys walking off a cliff catching Pokemon but murder? Jeez.

I find the whole thing a bit mad. Only a matter of time before someone gets killed playing the game* There is sound after 0.16. * May already have happened.

And he's walked 225km and he's still that fat?? How big was he before?

All clubs are a business these days but Arsenal are first and foremost a business. Top four finishes keep the business going well and they are not buying expensive players, not because they don't need them, but because paying £60M for someone would upset their financial stability.

BR's problem is he talks so much, his words cease to have impact. I wonder if that's a problem with manager/team communication?

Sam will burst some bubbles and prick some egos. England players clearly have a mental issue in competitions and if Sam can ground them, get them working without fear, he'll do well.

Agreed. Particularly in our game - it's a cliche but true that we are more physical than European football. Fair point about fitness but, as with Spurs last season, it can only take you so far. City's issue has been motivational imo.

I think Stones' future hangs in balance. He needs a good manager soon or he may never realise his potential.

I read the same. Arsenal came so close to mounting a proper challenge last season, and the things that stop them from maintaining a challenge are so clear, why not invest? As Forever Carefree said, fans must be losing patience. Where's the club's ambition?

Pretty surprised that Arsenal are again trotting out the 'we can't compete with other teams in spending' line; I really thought they'd spend this Summer. A lot of Gooner fans will be unhappy if they buy only one player closed season.

Good choice (fwiw). Sam will get the players playing to a clear system and he'll know who he wants to play. I don't think he'll play players just on reputation either. We'll perhaps not have the smooth performance in qualifying for competitions but when we get there we'll do much better I hope.

Post match comments from Brendan about playing Lincoln Red Imps, ranked 451st team in Europe: "There is obvious disappointment but there is no embarrassment. It was a tough game in tough conditions" Tough conditions??!

Let's be fair, Lincoln Red Imps are amongst the best teams in, err, Gibraltar.

A late Twelfth present? Rodgers' Celtic currently drawing 0-0 against Lincoln Red Imps (Gibraltar) - half time...

Someone should do a study about why losing teams often play better in the last ten minutes of a match? Why not sooner?

Allen needs to calm down. He's on a yellow.