Premiership 2017/18

[Diamond Dog]

Cole easily the best left-back in the world since Lizarazu.

He wasn't even the best left-back at Arsenal.

Okay, who was that?

[KeithPratt]

City are better placed to retain their title than at any time previously. Most of their team is growing rather than ageing. They have some players like Laporte and Stones who are yet to reach their potential and could very well be there for a decade (like Sterling, Sane, Jesus as well).

However I do wonder whether they'll be able to reach that dynastic level achieved by United or even Chelsea (who were always competitive from 2004 to 2015 with that core of Terry/Cole/Lampard/Cech/Drogba etc).

[Dr Markus]

Stones is as good as he'll ever be. Over hyped or a waste of talent is the question.

[Geezee]

Just like Ronaldo, right Markus? All hype, no delivery.

[Dr Markus]

Sure.

[The Modernist]

I've got some sympathy with Markus' views regarding Stones. He's been talked up as a special defender for a few years now, but about the only consistent thing I can see in him is the rate of mistakes he makes.

[Dr Markus]

It wouldn't surprise me if he's not there next season. I know he's still young, but I think he's blown his chance to play under Pep.

[borofan]

Cole easily the best left-back in the world since Lizarazu.

He wasn't even the best left-back at Arsenal.

Okay, who was that?

Can't remember, but I always thought he was better than Cole.

[WG Kaspar]

The only other left back I remember at Arsenal was Winterburn who was most certainly not as good as Cole.

[Diamond Dog]

He wasn't even the best left-back at Arsenal.

Okay, who was that?

Can't remember, but I always thought he was better than Cole.

That good that you can't remember his name.

Right.

[Geezee]

Well, Kenny Sansom was great as well. I really liked Silvinho who was ultimately displaced by Cole.

[Diamond Dog]

Well, Kenny Sansom was great as well. I really liked Silvinho who was ultimately displaced by Cole.

Neither are as good as Cole.

[Geezee]

Yep, but they've had very good calibre in that position for many years.
It's a testament to Wenger that he gave Cole the opportunity when he did - yes he was clearly a talent, but Silvinho was really establishing himself in that position.

[The Modernist]

Sansom was as good, and for longer, as Cole. Cole had a golden four year period, but lived off his reputation for a long time. The attacking part of his game declined rapidly after he left Arsenal.

[The Modernist]

Yep, but they've had very good calibre in that position for many years.
It's a testament to Wenger that he gave Cole the opportunity when he did - yes he was clearly a talent, but Silvinho was really establishing himself in that position.

He had a dodgy work permit.

[KeithPratt]

The right decision. I hope he wins the Europa League as his last act at the club.

[The Modernist]

It is the right decision. I'm glad it has been announced now with the minimum of fuss. That allows the fans to get behind the team again.

[KeithPratt]

An enduring legacy as a manager who revolutionised the English game and whose Invincibles side is the benchmark of achievement in the Premier League itself. The only thing I will say is that side of Vieira, Henry, Bergkamp and Pires should really have won the Champions League.

[`]

Arsène Wenger to leave Arsenal at end of the season

https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... _clipboard

The only question now is which season...

[Diamond Dog]

An enduring legacy as a manager who revolutionised the English game and whose Invincibles side is the benchmark of achievement in the Premier League itself.

Correct on all counts.