I can't decide what would entertain me more; Arsenal narrowly missing out on 4th or Liverpool narrowly missing out on 4th. 

On balance it might be more of a set back for Klopp - without CL football who is going to want to go to Liverpool ?

 

Arsenal will get 4th,same as every season. 

1 minute ago, Argo said:

Because they are desperately in denial about just how special Conte is.

First he was apparently a class below Pep, Jose and Klopp then he made a tactical switch to leave his supposed superiors in his wake they changed to the formation will get found out, now that's clearly not happened it's no European football. 

If we retain the title next season it will probably be he's overrated because he hasn't done three in a row like Fergie yet.

On that note, why isn't Pep's failure more of a story? He came here hyped to the rafters but some of his decisions have been dreadful and he's underperformed with a squad assembled at great expense.

I think partly those pundits who hyped him are embarrassed to admit they stuffed up, at least this season. 

Arsenal pipping Liverpool to 4th would be the icing on the cake for this season.

It'd probably be the Police or Thatchers fault if they don't get CL as well...

5 minutes ago, Spudulike said:

On that note, why isn't Pep's failure more of a story? He came here hyped to the rafters but some of his decisions have been dreadful and he's underperformed with a squad assembled at great expense.

I think partly those pundits who hyped him are embarrassed to admit they stuffed up, at least this season. 

I'm so glad that Pep didn't end up at Chelsea.  The table never lies Chelsea and Spurs have been the best sides and I think they have the best managers in England. 

14 minutes ago, CarefreeSimmo_ said:

Arsenal pipping Liverpool to 4th would be the icing on the cake for this season.

It'd probably be the Police or Thatchers fault if they don't get CL as well...

I've a few family and friends who are Liverpool fans. It's interesting that they are all anti-Spurs. I think they thought that when Ferguson left United their glory days would return and now not only are Chelsea a consistent success but Spurs are clearly strengthening what with the new stadium and everything. London clubs are a huge obstacle to Liverpool restoring their former stature.

32 minutes ago, Spudulike said:

On that note, why isn't Pep's failure more of a story? He came here hyped to the rafters but some of his decisions have been dreadful and he's underperformed with a squad assembled at great expense.

I think partly those pundits who hyped him are embarrassed to admit they stuffed up, at least this season. 

Speaking of embarrassment , I really really want Jeff Steling to confront Merson and Thompson for the thrash they spoke about Marco Silva.

Merson you could just pass off as him being an idiot, but considering Thompson got given a assistant job by Gerard Houllier (who like Silva replaced a homegrown manager) he would have known better.

The choice of fourth placed team is a tough one. Much as I dislike the Gooners, fourth place would keep them complacent and likely keep Wenger his job. They are not going to challenge for the title while Wenger's there so 4th may help CFC and Spurs. 

5 minutes ago, Argo said:

Speaking of embarrassment , I really really want Jeff Steling to confront Merson and Thompson for the thrash they spoke about Marco Silva.

Merson you could just pass off as him being an idiot, but considering Thompson got given a assistant job by Gerard Houllier (who like Silva replaced a homegrown manager) he would have known better.

I agree about Merson; I'm surprised he's a pundit to be honest. Thompson was wrong too. You can discuss the issue of foreign vs British managers without laying into a particular person. 

One issue with the lack of UK managers in the top leagues is the lack of patience of owners; any failure or drop in form and a manager's gone. There's no chance to learn from mistakes. Christ, you can even be dismissed while doing a good job, like Gary Rowett. 

11 minutes ago, Spudulike said:

The choice of fourth placed team is a tough one. Much as I dislike the Gooners, fourth place would keep them complacent and likely keep Wenger his job. They are not going to challenge for the title while Wenger's there so 4th may help CFC and Spurs. 

Just saw MOTD and i haven't seen Arsenal play with such fight and willingness or celebrate as wildly since the last time there top 4 place was in jepordy in 2013, truly embarrassing. As for Wenger, im starting to seriously believe he is a lunatic, Fergie realized tactics was the chink in his armour and appointed appropriate coaches like Carlos Quieroz and Rene Mulensteen to assist in that regard. By all accounts Wenger has little respect for his coaches views and wants yes men and it all to be done his way and it is costing Arsenal season after season, they use to say Fergie would not leave United until he was in a coffin but im starting to wonder if Wenger with Arsenal that might be the case, the guy is pig headed, stubborn and arrogant beyond all belief.

3 minutes ago, Spudulike said:

I agree about Merson; I'm surprised he's a pundit to be honest. Thompson was wrong too. You can discuss the issue of foreign vs British managers without laying into a particular person. 

One issue with the lack of UK managers in the top leagues is the lack of patience of owners; any failure or drop in form and a manager's gone. There's no chance to learn from mistakes. Christ, you can even be dismissed while doing a good job, like Gary Rowett. 

Both had no answer when Le Tisser brought up the Adkins/Pochettino situation which i found funny. I am actually on the other end of the scale regarding the sacking culture, Rowett is the first sacking i actually felt was out of order since Allardyce at Blackburn, i think keeping manager's too long after things are clearly damaged beyond repair (ala Pardew at Palace and Moyes at United) is a lot more damaging.

35 minutes ago, Argo said:

Just saw MOTD and i haven't seen Arsenal play with such fight and willingness or celebrate as wildly since the last time there top 4 place was in jepordy in 2013, truly embarrassing. As for Wenger, im starting to seriously believe he is a lunatic, Fergie realized tactics was the chink in his armour and appointed appropriate coaches like Carlos Quieroz and Rene Mulensteen to assist in that regard. By all accounts Wenger has little respect for his coaches views and wants yes men and it all to be done his way and it is costing Arsenal season after season, they use to say Fergie would not leave United until he was in a coffin but im starting to wonder if Wenger with Arsenal that might be the case, the guy is pig headed, stubborn and arrogant beyond all belief.

Both had no answer when Le Tisser brought up the Adkins/Pochettino situation which i found funny. I am actually on the other end of the scale regarding the sacking culture, Rowett is the first sacking i actually felt was out of order since Allardyce at Blackburn, i think keeping manager's too long after things are clearly damaged beyond repair (ala Pardew at Palace and Moyes at United) is a lot more damaging.

100% agreed about Wenger; he's a control freak and, for most of the season, he focuses on how Arsenal play, rather than whether they are winning. There are no leaders on the pitch; he needs a Keown-type to say 'WTF is going on?', when it's needed. 

I'm pretty sure he'll stay as the owners are focused on the money and Arsenal are doing well as a financial proposition. 

Fair point about managers mate. 

Edited May 13, 20179 yr by Spudulike

6 minutes ago, Spudulike said:

100% agreed about Wenger; he's a control freak and, for most of the season, he focuses on how Arsenal play, rather than whether they are winning. There are no leaders on the pitch; he needs a Keown-type to say 'WTF is going on?', when it's needed. 

I'm pretty sure he'll stay as the owners are focused on the money and Arsenal are doing well as a financial proposition. 

Fair point about managers mate. 

Funny you mention Keown because i can't remember where i read this but apparently he tried to put his two pennies worth in and Wenger told him he speaks to much, then there was him forcing Henry out because he wouldn't give up his multimillion sky contract.

1 minute ago, Argo said:

Funny you mention Keown because i can't remember where i read this but apparently he tried to put his two pennies worth in and Wenger told him he speaks to much, then there was him forcing Henry out because he wouldn't give up his multimillion sky contract.

Interesting. I hadn't heard that but it helps to explain why Steve Bould just sits there, saying nothing :-) 

1 hour ago, Spudulike said:

The choice of fourth placed team is a tough one. Much as I dislike the Gooners, fourth place would keep them complacent and likely keep Wenger his job. They are not going to challenge for the title while Wenger's there so 4th may help CFC and Spurs. 

That's the problem with Arsenal it's run like a business. Get top 4 and it's a job well done, lets all celebrate and Wenger gets a new contract. Great for every other team who wants to fight for titles, sad for all Arsenal fans who have to put up with the same sh*t every season and then a top 4 place makes the manager and board gloss of all over it. Problem is it goes all the way from the board to the players that 4th is acceptable and they all get cosy.

I hope it continues, Wenger we want you to stay lol.

9 minutes ago, Ernie_blue said:

That's the problem with Arsenal it's run like a business. Get top 4 and it's a job well done, lets all celebrate and Wenger gets a new contract. Great for every other team who wants to fight for titles, sad for all Arsenal fans who have to put up with the same sh*t every season and then a top 4 place makes the manager and board gloss of all over it. Problem is it goes all the way from the board to the players that 4th is acceptable and they all get cosy.

I hope it continues, Wenger we want you to stay lol.

I know an Arsenal fan and, while she's worried about Wenger and the future, she's genuinely caught up in (what she feels is) the excitement of the race for fourth place. Fourth place will feel like a trophy to her. It's mad but, as you say, good news for us. 

Edited May 13, 20179 yr by Spudulike

7 minutes ago, Spudulike said:

I know an Arsenal fan and, while she's worried about Wenger and the future, she's genuinely caught up in (what she feels is) the excitement of the race for fourth place. Fourth place will feel like a trophy to her. It's mad but, as you say, good news for us. 

Same old Arsenal.

Plus if Arsenal get fourth it's not like they will do anything in the CL.

2 minutes ago, Scott said:

Plus if Arsenal get fourth it's not like they will do anything in the CL.

And it'll give them, subconsciously, an excuse for not doing well in the league.

How they use it as an excuse is anyone's guess when their collapse is always after they've been chucked out of the CL anyway!

1 minute ago, Beerqueen said:

How they use it as an excuse is anyone's guess when their collapse is always after they've been chucked out of the CL anyway!

That's a very good point BQ. It is a bizarre situation that Arsenal are caught in a limbo of not failing as such but equally not challenging for the title, despite their resources. 

In fairness, we're not piling up the trophies either but I hope we are at least heading that way. At Arsenal, it's Groundhog Day. 

10 minutes ago, Spudulike said:

I know an Arsenal fan and, while she's worried about Wenger and the future, she's genuinely caught up in (what she feels is) the excitement of the race for fourth place. Fourth place will feel like a trophy to her. It's mad but, as you say, good news for us. 

I know an Arsenal fan who said to me Chelsea had a bad season last year like Arsenal are having this season, every club has them. What Arsenal fans don't realise is Arsenal have had the same season for 12 years now. Pundits, fans of other clubs and the papers will know how Arsenals season will go before the season gets started. Start well, bottle it around Christmas, go out of the champions league and then make a last minute run for the top 4. Glosses over all the fails and back to the same next season. The whole club is obsessed with top 4.

The best thing Arsenal could do is get someone like Allegri in who will actually have a plan b, have great tactics, get rid of the dead wood and finally get some of them players reaching their potential. 

Like we said, it's good news for us. 

2 hours ago, carrickblue said:

I can't decide what would entertain me more; Arsenal narrowly missing out on 4th or Liverpool narrowly missing out on 4th. 

On balance it might be more of a set back for Klopp - without CL football who is going to want to go to Liverpool ?

Definitely Liverpool. Arsenal with Wenger is no threat to us, let them get the 4th spot and they'll crash out of the CL in the first knock-out round as clockwork.

2 minutes ago, undertow said:

Definitely Liverpool. Arsenal with Wenger is no threat to us, let them get the 4th spot and they'll crash out of the CL in the first knock-out round as clockwork.

But so would Liverpool.

5 minutes ago, Spudulike said:

That's a very good point BQ. It is a bizarre situation that Arsenal are caught in a limbo of not failing as such but equally not challenging for the title, despite their resources. 

In fairness, we're not piling up the trophies either but I hope we are at least heading that way. At Arsenal, it's Groundhog Day. 

And also, the thing about Arsenal and Liverpool is that they fight like mad to qualify and then do bugger all when they get there!  So pointless.  Remember Liverpool resting players in.the CL because they were playing us in the PL at the weekend?  Talk about screwed priorities!  They could have made up any lost points in the PL but they just couldn't hack the thought of losing to us!  Madness.

4 minutes ago, Beerqueen said:

But so would Liverpool.

Well with Arsenal it's a well established fact, wouldn't want Liverpool to have a go instead of them ;) Now if they both can get it while the Manc teams miss out that would be great but I really don't think City will finish outside of the top four.