Never a dull moment with Jose. What a win against Real Madrid.

For the first time ever as a football fan, I think I found the Champions League football so much more compelling to watch than the Premier League. As a late-90s Chelsea fan the CL held magic and drama, and there was a prestige to being in it, but it was dominated by teams being noticeably slower and more tactical than the frenetic EPL. That trend continued for many years.

There is no question that the quality of players in the EPL far surpasses any other league, but each game seems like attrition, a borefest where teams prod around from set-piece to set-piece. Contrast that to the CL this season where we've seen really good play in possession and teams being ripped apart on the counter-attack i.e actual football.

Set-pieces need to take a backseat again. The rules need to change to favour defenders again, ironically to make the games more open and attack-focused.

Edited January 29Jan 29 by SydneyChelsea

9 hours ago, PloKoon13 said:

Hahaha a 99th minute goal from the f**king keeper has put Benfica through in the last place of the play-off places, beating Real who are now out of the top eight. Extraordinary José drama

That was unbelievable. Why we love football. Great to see - especially Bellendham moaning at the ref at the final whistle!

It was a hell of a header too, not just a close eyes and launch yourself effort, an actual booming header from a great ball in.

31 minutes ago, timetowaste said:

Was at fault for United getting their winner on Sunday.

Said it when they signed him he doesn't improve them or their bench at all. 3 goals all competitions and 2 came in one Champions League game against Brugge. This second half of the season is where a club's depth comes into play and Arsenal are now hoping Kai Havertz of all players take them over the finish line.

14 minutes ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Was at fault for United getting their winner on Sunday.

Said it when they signed him he doesn't improve them or their bench at all. 3 goals all competitions and 2 came in one Champions League game against Brugge. This second half of the season is where a club's depth comes into play and Arsenal are now hoping Kai Havertz of all players take them over the finish line.

Havertz is still there?! He can't have had many minutes this season.

17 hours ago, SydneyChelsea said:

For the first time ever as a football fan, I think I found the Champions League football so much more compelling to watch than the Premier League. As a late-90s Chelsea fan the CL held magic and drama, and there was a prestige to being in it, but it was dominated by teams being noticeably slower and more tactical than the frenetic EPL. That trend continued for many years.

There is no question that the quality of players in the EPL far surpasses any other league, but each game seems like attrition, a borefest where teams prod around from set-piece to set-piece. Contrast that to the CL this season where we've seen really good play in possession and teams being ripped apart on the counter-attack i.e actual football.

Set-pieces need to take a backseat again. The rules need to change to favour defenders again, ironically to make the games more open and attack-focused.

I still think both Barca v Milan games last season are probably up there with the best, especially the second leg.

8 hours ago, timetowaste said:

Very Mudryk like!

8 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Was at fault for United getting their winner on Sunday.

Said it when they signed him he doesn't improve them or their bench at all. 3 goals all competitions and 2 came in one Champions League game against Brugge. This second half of the season is where a club's depth comes into play and Arsenal are now hoping Kai Havertz of all players take them over the finish line.

Yeah , Madueke was getting some grief on Arsenal fan TV after the game as well.

Edited January 29Jan 29 by The Rising Sun
Information

Arsenal's latest tactic when awarded a corner.

Where players go to die. How many have left for gooner town to never do anything again?

6 hours ago, Scott said:

Where players go to die. How many have left for gooner town to never do anything again?

IN MEMORIAM

Oops... not sure how that last one got in there. Bloody computers

I was hoping someone would run with it. Hats off to @PloKoon13

Villa's prospects now seriously tested. Missing Kamara and McGinn for months, Watkins limped off last night with some sort of muscle injury.

Arsenal struggling to score from open play and Arteta’s solution is to throw in Havertz for more set piece presence.

We really can’t let this man win the league.

Nice and easy for Arsenal today

I don't watch Arsenal games as I find a trip to the dentist more entertaining, what's the context?

Edited January 31Jan 31 by BordeauxBlue

Coventry really are starting to look like they may bottle it this season. Losing again and Middlesbrough are about to go level on points. Lampard really needs this promotion to go on his record.

He still hasn't learned how to set up a defence.

Edited January 31Jan 31 by Scott Harris

3 hours ago, Scott Harris said:

Coventry really are starting to look like they may bottle it this season. Losing again and Middlesbrough are about to go level on points. Lampard really needs this promotion to go on his record.

He still hasn't learned how to set up a defence.

They’ve been really tight with him too though, you’d think with their league position they’d have brought in a few quality players to get over the line. One of the lowest wage bills in the Championship, compared to when Maresca had the highest and still almost bottled it.

Darren Fletcher impartially commentating on the Scouse game. 2 scouse goals in quick succession and Lucy Ward wiping the jazz out of her eye.

Hate the way these w**kers constantly fawn over these bin dippers

I always forget Liverpool signed Tom Rosenthal then I’ll randomly watch motd and there he is.

18 hours ago, Scott Harris said:

Coventry really are starting to look like they may bottle it this season. Losing again and Middlesbrough are about to go level on points. Lampard really needs this promotion to go on his record.

He still hasn't learned how to set up a defence.

Their huge lead in the table flattered them but you're right. Defence his issue.

Great to see Tammy back again. Give em hell Tammy