Premier League 18/19

[trans-chigley express]

Man City vs Huddersfield is so one sided that even the City fans are leaving early judging by the number of empty seats

[Diamond Dog]

Just seen a disagreement between Carragher & Neville over whether Emery should adapt his system, becase he doesn't have the players for it (Carragher says he should) or whether he should stick with his system until he has the chance to replace those unable/unwilling to play it (Neville says he should do that). There is merit in both but Carragher really did give the most ridiculous reason for his position - that being that manager's don't do that and ought to change their system to suit the players.

Maybe someone should remind him of Guardiola's first season at City where he very clearly didn't have rthe full backs (especially) but also centre backs or goalie to play his way... did he just throw that all overboard and give in to the players? Did he hell as like - he asked Zabaletta and the others to play his syatem... he gave them the chance. They weren't up to it - he got shot of them and replaced them with players who could play that system.

Really - they pay these fuckers millions to offer up their 'informed opinion'.

[The Modernist]

Surely there's a middle ground here and he can modify the system. The centre-halfs were almost on the edge of the centre circle at times; you can still play a high press and not go to that extreme.

[Penk!]

Yes, there is implementing a system and there is looking at your centre-backs and realising that playing a ludicrously high line with men slightly less mobile than the Great Pyramid of Giza is just asking for trouble.
He was perhaps relying on Bellerin’s pace to cover, but surely he has been at the club long enough by now that Bellerin is to defending what the Cookie Monster is to opera.

[Diamond Dog]

There is a middle ground, I agree. But, in the end, Neville's point was that if you just give up your principles because the players don't like it, they'll walk all over you, and he is absolutely right. Emery ought to be encouraging those that do accept the system to continue, not hold them back because the others can't/won't do it.

[KeithPratt]

I thought Liverpool were impressive last night. Defensively far more robust than previously and Keita gives them space and options in midfield. They could have had 4 or 5.

Poor old Benteke was shocking for Palace.

[Darkness_Fish]

I dunno with Liverpool. There were times last night that they looked a bit like Spain in the world cup, lots of possession and passing it between themselves, but little in the way of cut and thrust. Firmino was remarkably quiet, and Salah doesn't look like he's firing on all cylinders yet. Still, they got the points without looking great. The important thing I guess was the occasional defensive wobble didn't lead to sustained panic, which was last season's theme.

[trans-chigley express]

The important thing I guess was the occasional defensive wobble didn't lead to sustained panic, which was last season's theme.

The additions of Van Dijk and now Alisson have really given them some confidence at the back. Alisson was impressive yesterday, very commanding, excellent distribution and making a couple of crucial saves. I still think he's overpriced but he's most definitely a cut above Mignolet and Karius.

Salah hasn't quite found his form of last season but Mane has upped his game to compensate and with Sturridge and Shaqiri available off the bench it's looking pretty healthy up front.

I'm very pleased with the result as CP are so often a banana skin at Selhurst Park

[Diamond Dog]

Wolves stuck to their guns and picked the same team and tried to play the same way as the first two weeks. Credit to them - they're a fine footballing side.

[Diamond Dog]

Maybe we were a little bit hasty with Watford's condemnation....

[The Modernist]

Maybe we were a little bit hasty with Watford's condemnation....

They prove me wrong every season! They'll turn to shit after Xmas though, they always do.

[Diamond Dog]

Probably before that but that was impressive yesterday. He seems to have got them playing the system well.

[Diamond Dog]

I have to say that was the most one sided 2-1 victory I've seen for quite some time. Liverpool absolutely spanked Tottenham in every single department from start to finish and didn't deserve to have to 'fight' to maintain their victory after Spurs scored in the 93rd minute.

Ominous for the rest of the EPL regarding Liverpool - ominous for Spurs in terms of their complete capitulation at home.

[KeithPratt]

West Ham to dissolve at Everton today I'm sure. I guess Pellegrini might turn things around at some point, but it's going to be October until we start winning I bet.

[Diamond Dog]

It's traditionally a game I look forward to Toby, it must be said. But our disappointing home draw with Hiuddersfield must give you some hope.

[andymacandy]

Well, we got a lesson from City yesterday, but if you are going to play the Champions, at least have a go at them.

[Diamond Dog]

Well, we got a lesson from City yesterday, but if you are going to play the Champions, at least have a go at them.

You're not the first and you most certainly won't be the last. As you said at least you didn't shut up shop - which is more in keeping with your team.

[KeithPratt]

2-0 up at Goodison. Still plenty of time for us to implode, but this is much better. Our frontline looks great for once.

[Diamond Dog]

Fair play to West Ham - thoroughly deserved it.

We were fucking atrocious. Abysmal.

[KeithPratt]

We drop Wilshire and win convincingly. Everton were atrocious though and missed Richarlison badly.