Premier League – Matchweek 30

Cmon Frank. You fucking owe us one with that exit payoff. Suck it Wolves

what a goal from Wolves they are all over Chelsea

West ham winning

Damnit Frank!

wolves and west ham winning not good.

do we want a draw in Bournemouth-Leicester? a point for 2 rivals, or would one team (if any I'd choose Leicester) losing be better?

fucking hate this

Does not matter who gets points today we are back in the bottom 3

Bill, if Billa beat Forest then we aren’t in bottom 3

Bournemouth beating Leicester.

Chris

Sound alright that "Billa"

Could be a Bill Kenwright owned club lol

Over half a point from safety with only 8 games left. We are toast

Billa1-0

Next week’s fixtures:

Everton v Fulham
Soton v Palace
Spurs v Bournemouth
Wolves v Brentford
Man City v Leicester
WHU v Arsenal
Forest v Man Utd.

Let’s not panic just yet.

Cmon Leicester you shit!

Yes! Villa score. We are safe!

See Frank is weaving his magic back home. NOT

If not for a Madison back pass and a Fulham own goal this would be just fine

Geordie's have some side now don't they?

On one hand it does my head in, on the other hand it is another challenger up there for the Shite next season just incase they reignite a flame.

It's gonna be very tight as Bournemouth and Wolves have more goalscorers than we do. I think it's 3 from the clubs in the bottom 4 as it stands. It is ludicrous that we never replaced the Lukaku goals ever.

Just watching the Spurs v Brighton game, Stuart Attwell has rhode Brighton, Spurs should be down to 9 men, Brighton denied 2 definite penalties had two good goals ruled out by the VAR, shocking! Kane rolling around again…

We got through the tough stretch of games and now can get by until Duke returns. We’re okay here, not safe but in control.

Wolves looking good against Chelsea, giving them no time on the ball. Not really a good weekend for Everton. Wolves up to 12th Hammers up to 13 with game in hand. Villa 2 up heading for the top 6

Adam Sandler caretaker at Leicester having a tougher time transitioning to football than Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham

I’d say 38 points is the target.

I reckon Forest are getting 6 more points and Southampton 12 at most.

That leaves us and Leicester in my view. If Leicester beat at their place, I think they will win 4 of their last 8 including that game giving them 37 points. If we get a draw there then 36 should do the job for us but it’s going to be mighty tight.

Both managers sent off in the BHA/Spurs game... not something that happens every day.

If Leeds win tomorrow bottom four beginning to be cut adrift

We’ll need something last game of the season v Bournemouth no doubt

I know it's all very repetitive but it's how many points Everton add to their total in the last eight matches that will determine our fate, not the odd results here and there by the struggling sides around us, if we don't get enough, then we only have ourselves to blame.

Watching a round up of today's games and noted Brighton were denied a penalty against Spurs that was identical to the penalty that Spurs were given against Everton.

Southampton 0 Man City 1

Kevin De Brunye a class apart, put that one on a plate for Haaland.

Brighton get a goal disallowed for handball but what about the Spurs player pushing him to cause him to move towards the ball? And I can't understand why it's just accepted by the pundits on MotD… as usual, it depends which clubs are involved, doesn't it?

I await Shearer's reaction to the Barcodes VAR decisions.

According to a Mirror 'exclusive':

The Premier League are discussing in the future ditching their multi-partners including Sky Sports and BT Sport and showing games on their own platform.

It's likely there will be just one more multi-partner deal before the Premier League cut out the middle men and run the show themselves. It will be devastating for Sky who have helped build the Premier League to the financial colossus it is today after joining forces at its inception in 1992.

For the Premier League it will be a licence to print money and make their clubs even richer but will be a godsend for supporters who are being faced with forking out more money for extra subscriptions with more platforms showing football.

If the Premier League are able to go it alone, they will also be placed on the spot over kick-off times because it's the broadcasters who currently carry the can over the scheduling.

Another Whole New Ball Game?

It will be interesting to see how this all pans out, if it is an accurate story. Will it be a different financial distribution model based on viewing and subscription figures for particular teams? Will the Premier League be more 'biased' in which teams kick off on which days?

It will be a few seasons in the future, but it has been on the cards for a while now, with the ease of being able to broadcast matches via streaming services.

Barry, this is a future blockbuster story. Maybe also a clever of stopping the super league’s advance.

This is what the biggest clubs are craving. It is all about manipulating this to get a bigger share of the massive amounts of TV money. If 100 million are streaming a Man Utd match and only 0.5m are streaming a Burnley match, the Man Utd owners will demand and scream for more money.

Owners have to realise that the competitiveness of the Premier League is what makes it popular the world over. Ie The fact that Brighton or Brentford can give the RS or Chelsea a run for their money this season. Chelsea’s, the RS owners would like to eradicate the possibility of that occurrence to guarantee revenues.

Whatever happens the non negotiable, ultimate red line is that competitiveness is not diluted. That means sharing tv money equitably, in a no less fair way than it currently is.

Otherwise the league, and football itself, is dead as we know it.

Not the Premier League, but any followers of Scottish football watching Dundee United v Hibs?

There is an entire stand behind one of the goals completely empty. Even those I can see have glaring empty seats.

Leeds ahead v Palace. The best result for us is probably a Palace win, but that looks far off at the moment. Palace rely heavily on Zaha, but as he is out for a few weeks Palace could slip alarmingly towards the bottom three.

Leeds go 1 up amazing what a proper #9 can do

Don't know what I want. Crystal Palace are fading hard while Leeds Utd seem to be finding something durable.

Would've taken that for a draw I suppose. Probably some goals on this one.

Palace equalise in added time. The VAR checks for offside, but jeez, why did it take so long as clearly onside???

And the VAR is checking it…

It doesn't matter what these 2 teams do. It's between us and those 3 beneath us. Leeds and Palace are puling away from the Bottom 4.

It's between the Bottom 9.

I think a draw has got to be the best result. The more teams in this scrap the better, I think.

Soren, I also agree. Dyche has to find an answer for central midfield and somehow scoring goals.

With all the problems again with the VAR, it seems whoever it is doing checking tries to find a decision he wants, not what he actually sees.

I agree with Paul. The only team that looks like they will pull away and be safe is Wolves. None of the others look far from safe.

It doesn’t matter what Soren states. He will just try to cleverly emphasize the more negative interpretations of events.

Dale, I don't know about you but I just want this season to end, then at least then we will know what we are dealing with, including any potential P&S penalty. The whole shitshow with that fat (at least he's a blue) tosser can hopefully end.

Palace ahead. Great header.

Palace are pushing.

Yesssss, and a goal. Leeds Utd 1 - 2 Crystal Palace

Palace go ahead.

2-1 palace

3-1. Leeds are crumbling.

That was some decent straight forward play from Palace leading to the goal.

And yes, Joe, we all want it to end well but I gotta say there are some scores to settle in the TW locker room, mate.

3 to Palace!

Now Palace get another 1-3

3-1. Two great goals there. One thing… both these sides look way more capable of scoring goals than we do.

Palace have scored three goals in five minutes, either side of half time.

Another two teams that are way better than us!

Palace are pushing for 4th even now that they're 3-1 up!

With the games left, Palace should be okay.

Leeds have had a new manager bounce, but their run-in is tougher, with Liverpool, Newcastle, Man City, and Spurs to play. So I think them losing (especially a home game) is better for us. Leeds could conceivably go on to lose 4 or 5 on the trot.

Okay, Soren, we get your point, mate, but we don't care as long as there are only 16 or less who finish the season ahead of us.

Palace showing they don't have to rely on Zaha to score. Going back a bit, why did the Palace player get a yellow for that tackle on Bamford?

This is good news, we would have our work cut out catching Hodgson's palace, but we can certainly pull Leeds down into the reeds. Great to see the feel-good factor back at Elland Road…

3 unanswered goals following a lead if preserved would secure much safety. Devastating if they continue to be dominated.

Leeds are not way better than us. They have some decent attacking players, but none that are very clinical. Their midfield is poor, and the defence is Championship standard. Their keeper is decent for his age, but also Championship standard with his positioning very suspect, he's not near the level of Pickford.

Palace, in Eze and Olise, have two very talented players, Doucoure looks decent also, and Mitchell is better than our left-backs. Their strikers are no better than anything we have, defence is very suspect at set-pieces, and also neither keeper is near Pickford's level.

4-1. Leeds ripped apart.

Palace 4 -1

4

Palace in full flow. Wow, haven't seen them like this.

Maybe we should have gone for woy instead of Dyche.

Leeds supporters starting to leave the ground or should I say part time supporters

appalling defending and goalkeeping for that 4th.

Glad Palace are winning because they were never going down in my opinion, too many good established players.

I'm still targeting Leicester, Leeds, Bournemouth and Forest as the biggest rivals we need to make sure two of those join Southampton and not us.

Fans leaving 20 min left home relegation battle. Maybe it was just a few but maaan not a good look.

What am I getting sentimental about? Fuck off to the championship Leeds!

Not relishing our trip to Palace in a couple of weeks!

Soren maybe Woy should have gone back to the team you support

Pete

They were never a bad side to be fair, think Viera had just lost his way a little, they have always been quite hard to beat this season just couldn't win enough games.

Roy Hodgson may have detractors in every corner but he certainly knows the league inside out and it's proved a good move for Crystal Palace.

Jim, West Ham have a very tough run of fixtures so they are not out of it. Bournemouth look like they will get out of it imo.

I think it will be Southampton, Leicester, and Forest. But will go to the last couple of matches with Us, Leeds, and West Ham, and Bournemouth.

Two wins and their run in suggests palace are ok, and Wolves' remaining home games should get them at least 2 wins which will see them safe.

5-1

And 5.

Soren - what are you on about, man. I’m a pretty aggrieved Everton fan right now but you are on another planet.

Jim, are you not counting West Ham in that list of teams? Have you seen their remaining games, because along with Forest, they have an absolute nightmare of a run in.

Palace 5-1!

Jim, are you not counting West Ham in that list of teams? Have you seen their remaining games, because along with Forest, they have an absolute nightmare of a run in.

Palace 5-1!

wow 5-1

5 lol.

Fran 78

West Ham are crap but in typical Moyes fashion they seem to pull out the odd unlikely away win when it matters like yesterday so I'd guess they'll scrape to 36 or 37 points.

Woo hoo. My arms are getting as tired as Onana’s after a victory.

Leeds' goal difference is turning ugly.

Leeds have Liverpool at home next.

Is this the Ayew that turned us down?

Fair play to Palace, they had a couple of good chances from headers in the first half.

Saha is a skilful player, but on this showing Palace look to have a better balance, and play like team, and their play flows more, as Zaha, takes more dives, breaking up play, perhaps only less than the RS, front line.

But this puts Leeds back in the mixer.

Forest face United at home next week, then they play our neighbours.

So this is a significant weekend as, despite losing, Everton have not dropped into the Bottom 3.

A long way to go, but Fulham is a must-win game.

The VAR checks are taking ages today in this Leeds v Palace game, I wonder if Captain Webb has read the riot act ast night to the referee in view of the farce at Spurs yesterday.

UTFTs!

And that is what may count in a tie at the end of the season Mike

Joe, no it’s his brother. The one who turned us down went to Forest.

Wow. More rhan half of Palace points were earned from losing positions.

Hi Joe, no, the other Ayew, went to Forest.

I think West Ham will just survive, just, but next game is Arsenal, then Bournemouth away after playing in Europe, then Liverpool, then Palace away, thne City away, then Man Utd home, then Brentford away — that's a brutal run of games.

Their last 2 games will be against relegation rivals with so much pressure on them.

No, Joe, it was his brother who went to Forest, this one is the dirty one who should have been sent off before putting them 2-0 ahead on that memorable night last May.

Javi got schooled by Roy.

Next week's fixtures:

Everton v Fulham
Southampton v Crystal Palace
Spurs v Bournemouth
Wolves v Brentford
Man City v Leicester City
West Ham Utd v Arsenal
Nottm Forest v Man Utd
Leeds Utd v Liverpool

Leeds Utd's remaining fixtures:
Crystal Palace – H – April 9
Liverpool – H – April 17
Fulham – A – April 22
Leicester – H – April 25
Bournemouth – A – April 30
Manchester City – A – May 7
Newcastle – H – May 13
West Ham – A – May 20
Tottenham – H – May 28

West Ham's remaining fixtures:
Fulham – A – April 8
Arsenal – H – April 16
Bournemouth – A – April 23
Liverpool – H – April 26
Crystal Palace – A – April 29
Manchester City – A – May 3
Manchester United – H – May 7
Brentford – A – May 13
Leeds – H – May 20
Leicester – A – May 28

Nottingham Forest's remaining fixtures:
Aston Villa – A – April 8
Manchester United – H – April 16
Liverpool – A – April 22
Brighton – H – April 26
Brentford – A – April 29
Southampton – H – May 8
Chelsea – A – May 13
Arsenal – H – May 20
Crystal Palace – A – May 28

Bournemouth's remaining fixtures:
Leicester – A – April 8
Tottenham – A – April 15
West Ham – H – April 23
Southampton – A – April 27
Leeds – H – April 30 Chelsea – H – May 6
Crystal Palace – A – May 13
Manchester United – H – May 20
Everton – A – May 28

Leicester's remaining fixtures:
Bournemouth – H – April 8
Manchester City – A – April 15
Wolves – H – April 22
Leeds – A – April 25
Everton – H – May 1
Fulham – A – May 8
Liverpool – H – May 13
Newcastle – A – May 20
West Ham – H – May 28

Southampton's remaining fixtures:
Manchester City – H – April 8
Crystal Palace – H – April 15
Arsenal – A – April 21
Bournemouth – H – April 27
Newcastle – A – April 30
Nottingham Forest – A – May 8
Fulham – H – May 13
Brighton – A – May 20
Liverpool – H – May 28

Leeds playing Liverpool at home next week isn't that the 3rd successive home game on for Leeds

Our final match of the season at home to Bournemouth could be the mother of all 6 pointers, lol.

Both clubs may need it to survive.

In a strange way we may be actually thankful that we have Goodison Park and not the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock to fall back on again this season?

It's up for debate whether the new stadium would generate the same level of intimate biased atmosphere as the Old Lady, at least in the early years.

Massive result for Palace – and we play them in 2 weeks!

On 33 points, they must now be clear... but ya neva know.

Leeds 1 Palace 5.

At any other ground, the home fans would be leaving in droves but these are Yorkshire men and they are staying to get their money's worth.

Thanks Jeff, and yes I remember it well. An awful challenge that should have been a straight red.

I honestly thought my Yank man McKennie would have a major impact for Leeds and was a big miss for us. Seems I was wrong.

Palace fans saying "Where the fuck has this been all season?"

Lol Ed.

Uh thanks, Soren, but half of that doesn't matter according to what you said above right?

You're right, Dale. 😉

Ed - on my TV the ground is half empty!

I'm slowly beginning to feel as though we might (might) just wriggle out of the mire, given there appear to be a few teams around us who look like they're really struggling. We at least play with desire now, even if we still lack firepower.

Home games and the away ones v Palace, Leicester and Wolves are going to be key.

Got to give credit to Roy, 7 goals in 2 games. At this rate, they could finish above Chelsea.

Woy doing his young Mr Grace impression

That is a big hard kick in the nuts for Leeds Utd. Could you imagine the gloom merchants on here if that was us?

I suspect those saying Wolves and Palace are just about safe are correct. Everyone else is in a fix and the bottom 3 are in awful form now.

What a great result for us. Not a bad weekend on balance. The manner of the defeat (and the fixture list) keeps Leeds in the mix, even if the bookies seem to think they are safe.

Good old Uncle Roy. He saved Palace a few years ago and now doing it again. What a manager !! (as someone once said )

….and then there were 6.

50:50. Glass half full, glass half empty? Next 3 weeks will decide our fate. Where are you Dom?

Allen @115, was that the ventriloquist who talked out of his a*se! Lol

You will never walk alone in Norway lol.

My wife and I refer to the short Italian Leeds player Gnotto as Gnocho - little dumpling. He lost his cool today so now he is Loco Gnocho.

Mike G agree with you about Mc Kennie.

I was hoping we would have got him but he hasn’t settled in the prem st all.

Arsenal 1-0. Great pass by St. Virgil to play in Martinelli.

Great impact Roy has made at Palace 2 games 2 wins, they have had 46 shots in those 2 games. He has brought back Eze into the team and he is a top player who will cause problems for any team. Palace, Wolves and West Ham are all safe. We have got only 2 points from 9 in the last 3 games, we need 4 or 5 pts from the next 3 games.

David, you really think West Ham are safe? Have you seen their run in? They could very easily lose their next six games. Only Forest have a worse run in than West Ham.

Victims nearly 2-0 down.

Rob,
Just think they have enough attacking options to stay up.

Well, if West Ham can outscore Arsenal (H), Bournemouth (A) Liverpool (H), palace (A), Man City (A), Man Utd (H), and Brentford (A) in their next seven games then I guess they will definitely deserve to stay up.

It didn't come to anything, but when was pushing in the back allowed?

Should have been a free kick to Arsenal, but Liverpool got the corner.

2-0. Jesus!

So easy, Arsenal

@Micheal, Thanks for editing my post.

Jesus and Gabriel v St Virgil

Jesus nails a cross this easter

The Norwegians look furious.

TAA is a shite defender. Totally out of position again.

Did I just see RS fans walking out already :)

Red that

That should have been a red for shite Virgil!

Klopp the next manager out/ terrible tackle by VVD deserves a red not a yellow

Jay & Mike, I think McKennie can be a good Prem player in the right set up.

I'd be pleased to see him at Everton if it doesn't work out in Leeds.

On Easter Sunday as well Rob.

Henderson giving Trent Arnold a bit of a talking too. Probably saying “You’re shite, just do one”!

Robertson swearing aggressively at the assistant should be a yellow surely

Agreed Fran.

Having a rat face should then make it a red for Robertson.

Arsenal got Liverpool chasing shadows.

Liverpool fans moan about transfers. They've spent 220 million on 4 players in the last 2 seasons but cry poverty.

shit!

That linesman is either one of us or an arse fan lol.

Jeez, a linesman appeared to elbow Robertson in the face after the half time whistle had blown. Should he have been replaced for the second half?

Assistant ref tried to elbow rat face.

And rat face got the yellow!

Has anybody noticed how much Gakpo looks like Dele Alli?

No let him run the line for the second half and hopefully give Robertson a smack at full time.

Surprised Robertson the cheat didn’t do a Harry act. And he shouldn’t have his hands on the official in the first place.

😅😂😂😂😂😂😂…..Salad misses another penalty.

This referee is diabolical, that was a 50/50 challenge, never a penalty. Ref is shitting himself in the atmosphere there. Sad to see, but it happens all the time.

Here’s another dirty scumbag coming on……..Alcantara.

Is Robertson allowed to push people in the back an not get pulled up for it?

This was the very close offside decision that wasn’t even checked by VAR yesterday, leading to Man Utd’s second goal. Marginal to say the least. If that led to an Everton goal at Old Trafford it would be forensically examined.

https://www.footballfancast.com/man-united-news-mufc-var-marcus-rashford-offside/

I think that's 8 yellows now.

That's one of the saves of the year.

Arsenal got suckered into having a physical battle with Liverpool, you can’t do that at Anfield they will always get the hooky decisions no matter who the referee is and they are not even a top six side now.

Good result that as does neither side any favours. I’ve never liked Arteta since he left us so want City to win the league

Chris @159
I'm no fan of Arsenal either, but I wanted them to win today and have the title wrapped up by the time City come to Goodison, now it would seem that both sides will have to be on it until the last game of the season. I still think City are a better side and have that all important ingredient in this type of battle - Experience.

The league is reviewing the linesman's elbow on Robertson. NBC commentators predicting the linesman will be sacked in the morning.

Mike @161
The disciplinary committee will decide that due to that infringement, no matter where the other side end up this season, they will bestow upon them a Champions League berth.

compare the Liverpool penalty with the foul on Coleman by Maguire yesterday?

one a definite pen and the other nothing.

2 nil up, a walk in the park and they get involved in fisticuffs to get the heathen going - utter madness.

If they get overrun by City, who have a much easier run in, Arteta will have nightmares over today. Perhaps being back on merseyside and playing at the pit inadvertently got him channelling Moyes.

Hope City reel the dullards in.

Keeps the interest for the arS when they visit Leeds so I'm happy with the draw.

In city’s hands now. I think their game in hand is at home to West Ham, so should win that, and if they beat Arsenal, also at home, city go top on goal difference. Of course, it’s also in Arsenals hands, providing they can avoid defeat at The Etihad.

Linesman showed more aggression than we do against the Shoite

Unsure if the link below will work, but for those who see VAR and other decisions being at the very least inconsistent, it's a way of fans showing their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. My personal hobby-horse is why does every single goal have to be checked by VAR, if it's not obvious that something against the laws of the game has occurred.

Petition

#Barry 160,
+1.

In defence of the linesman, he only did what anyone of us would want to do. I wonder what abuse came first? I think we won't see the linesman again. I always thought abuse of the officials was a red card..

It looked like Robertson went to grab the linesman’s arm, so he was only protecting himself, imo.

Tony@152, I thought Rashford was ahead of Coleman yesterday and because there didn’t seem to be a Var check, i just assumed that because Seamus had touched the ball this put Rashford onside.

Honestly didn’t think it made a difference, but if it was offside it should have definitely been checked better, although I’d just sooner see a much clearer set of rules across the board

Christine 171,
It was half time and the little rat sprinted over to the linesman and probably gave verbals as well as touching the linesman's arm first. The linesman put his arm out to keep him away, the players behaviour towards officials is poor. Brian Clough's teams would never behave like this and if this rat played for him he would be on the bench for the next game. Why is he even running after him at half time, just go to your dressing room? Think Roy Keane said it right after the game.

Just saw the Spurs game and boy did Brighton get well and truly screwed by the officials on and off the field. Are these officials qualified ??

Meanwhile Jesse Mersch turns down Leicester.
He saw their game yesterday,conferred with his Coaching team and said...'erm No thanks'

Stephen

Leicester are toast. They sack Brenda, sit on their hands while they lose two under comedian Adam Sandler then offer the job to a clown who tries to set out teams like Brenda 2.0 but he’s much more useless than Brenda and he turns them down. I greatly dislike Brenda but unless they had someone good lined up I seriously think they blundered firing him at this stage. I know Burnley did the dead car bounce this time last year but ultimately as expected they were relegated after firing Dyche. Likewise Chelsea. Was Potter that bad they had to get rid of him now rather than waiting until the summer? They’ve nothing to play for but the CL and thus far he’s down well in that as opposed to the record of his replacement Lampard. Talking of Chelsea they posted losses of 115 million which is the max you’re allowed over three years and we know they’ve spent 500 million in the current year. I see a referral to an independent commission in their future. Meanwhile Leeds cite and independent regulator as a “threat” to how they operate.

For me I can't see Soton getting more than another 3 points and with Forest's run in they're gone too.

I see us gaining another 9 points, wins against Fulham, Bournemouth & Leicester. That'll mean we're safe this season.

Anyone think Leicester will get more than another 5 points? I don't.

It's a real shame the linesman didn't smash the disgusting Robertsons' nose. He and the equally repulsive Trent are cut from the same cloth. No wonder with a manager who has no moral compass.

Roy Keane spot on saying Robertson is a big baby. The Klopp manual 'How to Disrespect Officials and General Shithousery' is obligatory reading for the RS vermin.

Fulham are on a 4 game losing streak. Next up, Everton. You just know what’s going to happen.

Yep Colin…………it will become a five game losing streak.

Yes a 2-0 Everton win.

Sums up the self-centred little prick - worse than bloody Ronaldo

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/football/video-fan-footage-shows-newcastle-star-lashing-out-at-eddie-howe-following-substitution/ar-AA19EaMq?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=3446a41a5cd44860850b1f38132f4c8e&ei=20

Iain # 177………………have you seen West Ham’s run in, it’s on a par with Forest. West Ham could quite easily lose their next seven games…………………………

Rob Halligan
126 Posted 09/04/2023 at 16:55:03
Flag this comment Well, if West Ham can outscore Arsenal (H), Bournemouth (A) Liverpool (H), palace (A), Man City (A), Man Utd (H), and Brentford (A) in their next seven games then I guess they will definitely deserve to stay up.

What can you see them getting out of that lot, maybe a point at Bournemouth, and I would have said a point at palace before watching palace destroy Leeds yesterday.

Fulham look useless without Mitrovic, their players have lost focus. Silva looks like he wants the season over, they are safe with nothing to play for and have lost their edge.

They will turn up and fight but I think they are there for the taking if we are professional about our work. If we turn up and play full-on and focused,like we have been doing before Man Utd, especially at Goodison, we will win this match.

Dyche will have to go back to the 4-5-1 stronger midfield, playing Simms and Gray together in the 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 –whatever you want to call it – left us too easy to play against and exposed in midfield. Lesson learned there I think.

Roy Keane on Robertson: "He's a big baby"

Thanks for cheering ne up after the Man Utd downer. So funny, class Roy…

"Baby" ha ha ha ha 😂

Gerry @182 Best bit of business Moshiri's Everton ever did

So... not sure where else to put this, but here goes...

Over the weekend there was a report that the Premier League are trying to launch/take control of their own rights - kind of like creating a netflix for football. So I was talking to a red mate of mine about this before and he says to me that they have been trying to negotiate there own TV rights for years and it's a matter of time before they are allowed. So, I said to him, no, I seem to remember years back that there is some agreement to stop individual clubs from doing this, which is why the greedy lot attempted to start the Super League, 2 years ago. He tells me there is no such agreement in place for the premier league then says... well, we have had a season off this year, and we will be fully charged with Bellingham for next season.

He will come if you don't make Europe? So then he says... Oh yeah he is coming in the summer. It won't matter if we don't make Europe next season, we are in the champions league from 2024 as a default club. What!? I say? Yeah, Uefa's plan to stop the super league was to reformat the champions league from 2024 so that Liverpool, Chelsea, United, Juve, Milan - all the important teams get in as they are the money-making clubs, so even if we finish 7th, 8th we are a legacy team and assured qualification.

Can anyone confirm if this is true. What a f**kin stitch-up. What will be the point of any sporting credibility, hope, and aspiration if this is true?

Then again it could be a kopite talking out of his fundament, repeating Tommy Frost bullshit?

Phil @167
I put a link in post 31 relating to the rumours of the Premier League wanting to cut out the middle man with regards to broadcasting football.

As for your red mate, it's his sort that spout such entitlement that really grinds my gears, there's such a contrast between reds and blues. Many Evertonians seem to believe they have to criticise everything that the club and team do or have done, whilst the Kopites bullshit their way through life and believe they are the best at everything no matter what the situation.

I'm not sure that I subscribe to the criticise everything Blue brigade, but I certainly don't want to become a "we're da bestest ever and everybody else is crap" type of supporter.

Finn, your RS mate is talking a load of bollocks.

Gerry 182, I heard Gordon being interviewed on Radio 5, jam packed with digs at us. He has very little respect for a club that raised his profile well beyond his ability.

It was great business moving him on. So much of football is keeping the morale high, and characters like Gordon are toxic when the chips are down.

Apologies Finn, I've no idea why I called you Phil in my response to your post.

Barry @ 192, no worries.

I have gone back and read the earlier posts #31 and #32 - which gives some clarity to the situation.

The Premier League are thinking of doing there own TV rights.

Strange this football game who would have thought that 3 iconic midfield players would all lose their managerial jobs this season, Gerrard, Lampard, Viera. Just backs up the theory not all great players make great managers.

Gerry 182. I did see that footage last night. Gordon was subbed on in the 46th minute and subbed off in injury time probably to waste time.

He wasn't a very happy lad and made Howe fully aware. Not our problem anymore. A promising talent with a poor attitude that couldn't wait to get away. Very much like Jeffers.

Gordon struggled on loan at Preston, whilst Tom Cannon, is starting to fly at the same football club. I think Anthony Gordon has a lot to thank Benitez for, but I do wonder if he’s got the natural application to make the grade at a club that is going to try and really compete over the next few years?

It’s up to him, he’s not our problem, I’m not particularly fond of the kid, but I can understand his frustration with Everton, because he’s obviously just another scouse kid, who has been played by the player.

The premier league have long considered selling their own TV rights direct to customers - they don’t really need Sky or BT Sport in this model.

One thing that they will NOT entertain is individual club’s selling their own TV rights, as Finn’s gobshite kopite mate is trying to claim. The Shabby 6 were forced to commit to new governance after the Super League debacle. They committed that they will not enter into any agreements without the support of the majority of the premier league clubs.

As for the gobshite Koppite’s claim that Liverpool will be given a default slot due to previous wins - this is from the BBC in May 2022:

“The number of teams in the Champions League group stage will rise from 32 to 36 from 2024-25 under changes approved by Uefa.

Under the new format, each team will play eight games over 10 match weeks.

But a plan to give two Champions League places to individual clubs solely on the basis of their past European performance has been abandoned.”

And Bellingham to sign for Liverpool ? LMAO.

Brian #195] Jack Charlton in discussing why brother Bobby didn’t make it as a successful manager mentioned that guys who were elite players often struggle to relate to / understand why even decent EPL players couldn’t do what they did with ease - and makes it harder for them to realise and work with their limitations.

Steve @198... thanks mate, made me chuckle that. My red pal is a bit of know it all (well thinks he is) and it gets to me sometimes - he was on last night saying Arsenal don't deserve the title, we bossed them today blah blah... I always argue back, but he says, no no, money will always win the day - A matter of time before we can stream our own games and we are back on top again.

Mike @199 and Brian @195... I read somewhere a while back that the reason Souness quit managing (aside from him being... well, do I need to explain?) was the players could not do what was asked and he never saw them up to doing what he did with ease.

Regarding the new TV deal that is not far away, I can see the likes of Man Utd, Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea demanding a bigger slice of the cake, like happens in Spain with Real Madrd and Barcelona getting the biggest slice.

The games that include these clubs are probably the most watched worldwide so make Sky their biggest profits. So I can well see why they would argue for a bigger slice of the cake.

The rumour has been around that Netflix will be bidding for the next TV rights and they may indeed pay different clubs different amounts.

On Gordon, I just had a Twitter message flash up.

I don't use, just get football notifications.

I don't know if there's any truth or how reliable, but seems to be a Newcastle source, claiming the player won't appear in the first-team squad again this season and will train with their U21s?

Tom Bowers #174,

That game was a disgrace. All Brighton got out of the game was an apology from Howard Webb, how many points is that worth? The VAR has had much more criticism than praise and the idiots giving decisions like that should be sacked.

Spurs think they are untouchable and, with decisions like those and the Kane performance last week, it seems like the referees do too.

The assistant referee who “elbowed” that RS rat Robertson, has been stood down and will not be involved in any further games while the incident is investigated. For fuck's sake, he should be awarded a medal!!

Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis stood down during 'elbow' investigation

I see Chelsea have put their annual accounts out. They have lost over £270M in the last 2 years, and that doesn't include all of their purchases in the last 2 windows and paying off 2 managers and their staff.

Could be interesting to see what accounting gymnastics they go through to say they comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules!

No doubt this will be started as a new thread by Lyndon or Michael, but Kevin Thelwell, along with Richard Kenyan, has attended a meeting with the FAB, where amongst other things, it sounds like the club have secured funding towards BMD, which will hopefully, mean new board members……….

https://www.evertonfc.com/news/3145401/director-of-football-meets-fan-advisory-board

Rob@ 183, I'm focusing on the teams below us. Apart from shooting ourselves in the foot they are the threat.

There's 9 -11 realistic points out there for us, that's more than enough to be safe and to have climbed a few places at the end.

My only wish is that we should have made Dyche manager after the Leicester defeat, for me we'd be 12th now.

Iain, I agree with what you’re saying, but I also think West Ham will not obtain many more points, looking at their run in.

Rob,
It was also noted at that meeting that no board member turned up.

Shameless bastards being the third highest paid board in the Prem and treating fans of their choosing with contempt.

Southampton and Forest are doomed in my view. They leaves one place. I can see Leicester pulling off 4 wins (the pessimist in me includes them beating us) that leaves them on 37 points and with a better goal difference than us that means we need 38. The key game for me will therefore be that Leicester game as, if we get out of that with a draw then that means they won’t realistically get more than 35 points and that means we need 8 more points including the one against them

Our away form is the worry and our home games against City and Newcastle are also worrying.

So, beat Fulham, draw with either Palace or Wolves and Leicester then lose to Palace or Wolves and it’s then shit or bust against Bournemouth last game of the season to get to 36 points. Simple!

Chris we will beat Fulham Newcastle Leicester and Bournemouth. Draw with wolves. That's 40 points. Easy

As of 30 minutes ago, PGMOL tells CNN that assistant ref Constantine Hatzidakis will not be appointed to any games while the FA investigates the elbowing incident.

Roy Keane says Robertson "should be more worried about his defending."

First time I've ever liked something Keane said.

The poor guy will probably lose his job. Hope Robertson will be happy?

Will the FA be as lenient as the Mexican FA were, when they suspended a referee for twelve games for kneeing a player in the town halls………

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65183032

Rob, you gotta be tough to ref a Mexican game!!

Haha, Mike………..you wanna try the Liverpool Sunday League!!

Another goal for Tom Cannon.

Paul from what I saw of him when watching the streamed reserve games I thought he was a better prospect than Simms.

Rob, I was once stabbed in the ribs running the line in the LASA League in Massachusetts (Portuguese/Azorean/CapeVerde teams). The perpetrator was a little old lady dressed all in black who nailed me with her umbrella after I ruled out her grandson's equalizer for offside. I got $14 for the game, but the new shirt cost me $19 and I had a gash in my side that leaked for a week!

Hopefully this will make the refs turn on Liverpool, but it’s more likely that it will have the opposite effect, especially with them now being so powerful in the media.

The linesman missed the chance to become a football legend. Rather than the alleged elbow, how wonderful had he just inserted his flag in Robertson furled and removed it unfurled.
Well done Roy Keane, by the way. Robertson is shameless filth.

If I was the linesman I would fight tooth and nail to defend myself and simply claim "self defence" which it basically was.
The little shit was giving him pelters and grabbed at him. He (the linesman) IMO raised his elbow to shrug Robertson off and as he was invading the linesman's space he was brushed lightly on the chin.
No doubt there will be t shirts, marches, and court cases galore arranged by the club in support of the little shithouse.

Brian #222, they will demand a place in the Champions League as compensation.

Brian,

That Robertson is one of the worst for getting up in refs faces, screaming at them etc and he did grab the guys shirt. So yes I'd like to Robertson get nailed. But the rules now are on one hand ridiculous (e.g. you touch someone's face red card, you break their leg maybe nothing happens. i.e. I could see a punch in the face being a red but a tap or a poke?) and then you have the ludicrous enforcement where Niasse gets retroactive suspension for diving while Fernandes manhandles a ref and gets nothing. So I won't hold my breath.

Natural reaction from the linesman to push his hand away, the little rat made contact first and no doubt gave him verbals. His manager sets an awful example on the sidelines moaning aggressively at the officials for the last 7 years. Even runs onto the pitch and gets a slap on the wrist.

There's no reason that the FA can't put in place a rule that says, any player, placing their hands on any of the officials, at any time, will face an automatic three match ban. Doubtless, Robertson will be hailed as a hero and victim, at the other place, whilst the assistant will likely never be seen again. If players are being so open in their lack of respect towards officials, how much is going on behind the scenes to influence officials?

There are two issues here regarding the Linesman/Robertson incident:

The first issue is the behaviour of Robertson, who had been warned several times by the ref prior to this incident, and who is well-known for getting in the face of officials. His behaviour reflects a massive problem in the modern game, whereby some managers and players act largely with impunity in aggressively haranguing officials, which basically puts the game into disrepute and sets an appalling example to youngsters and others at the grass roots level of football. It is a major factor in the game becoming increasingly ugly, to the point where it puts many folks off watching it.

The second issue is the response of the linesman in apparently brushing Robertson away with his right elbow. He could simply have ignored Robertson, and alerted the ref to the recurrence of the behaviour for which Robertson had previously been warned. However, officials are human, and in the face of aggressive behaviour from players it is understandable that they might eventually respond in such a way.

Of the two issues, the first issue is by far the most significant, for without it, the second issue would simply not exist. But the media are likely to pay more attention, cherry-picking, this one incident of (understandable) response from an official, rather than point to the root cause problem of aggressive, loutish, behaviour of players towards officials and the tarnishing of the game’s image produced by it.

Read Dominic King’s version on the Daily Mail, and see how powerful Liverpool are. Utter bollocks, but a great spin, that takes the incident away from Robertson, and puts it all on the official.

Officials have got to be able to show tremendous restraint? Don’t get me wrong they are definitely a protected species, until one of them has an altercation with a very aggressive and horrible individual, who just happens to play for Liverpool FC.

Hopefully the linesman exposes the aggressive behavior of Robertson that led to his trying to brush him away. The linesman was starting to feel threatened by the viciousness of Robertson's actions.

Last week Kane was also instigating the incident with Doucoure, aggressively pulling his shirt towards him, pulling him off balance. Doucoure raised his arm to counter this aggression from Kane, unwittingly in the heat of it at Kane's face.

They see things and interpret things the way that suits them.

Leeds have been ordered to pay £24M to Jean-Kevin Augustin after they've already paid his 'transfer fee' of £15.5M!! He only played 48 minutes for them 3 years ago!!

Looks like we're not the only ones run by incompetents.

I'd imagine that in future, on the weekends of 9th April, all clubs must hold a minutes silence before kick off, and teams should wear armbands, to remember, forever, the murderous assault on St Andrew.

I hope they are looking into the whole scene of Robertson/ linesman situation starting at the very beginning where Robertson effed and blinded the linesman after he had given a decision against him, this happened by the corner flag at the Kop end and while Robertson was railing against the linesman his manager Klopp was “ going off on one “ harassing the fourth official over the same incident.

Robertson was having a go at the linesman at half time over the same incident twenty minutes after it happened, I haven’t seen the incident between Robertson and the linesman only still photographs but there is enough evidence of the incident from TV etc to sort this mess out.

What I can’t understand is why just the linesman is suspended and not the player it seems it was apparent that it was at least six of one and half a dozen of the other and why is taken so long to sort the affair out, surely it could be done this week because the player and his club have made a big scene out of next to nothing.

I had never heard of the linesman before this but Robertson has plenty of form for this type of behaviour and pulled up and warned about it on many occasions and should be part of the investigation.

He was laughing in an Everton players face the other week, so you can imagine the scenes if he had been given a smack, given the way he started holding his chin, and clicking his face. I honestly don’t know how he held back those tears, after he got a slight arm in the face.

Don’t you know who I am? I play for Liverpool aka WANTITBOTHWAYS FC.

Dave, the linesman is suspended because the modern game is corrupt, dysfunctional, crude, loutish, and generally lacking in sportsmanship. These aspects of the game are nothing new, as evidenced for example by ‘dirty Leeds’ and certain other teams around the 1970s, but have reached a much higher scale because of the money in the game, and unfortunately LFC are specialists in the unpleasant arts, and have been for a long time. And the media effectively promotes it all.

Stan (234), I can’t add anything to that, just agreement.

Stan, Dave, I don't know Robertson. I don't condone going into hurt a player.

But he definitely falls into category of someone you'd like to put you mark on early and wind him up.

With a laugh and smile in his face combined with a wink.

Tony, you summed it well there, wantitbothways and the club that getsitbothways.

Always have done and always will.

Linesman should get suspended for a week of matches.

However, Robertson / WTF. You can’t approach / touch an official - why the hell has he not been charged?????

Approaching an official on a threatening manner Robertson was way out of order. A typical whingeing red when they don’t get their own way ( especially at home in front of their own fans ). I would of taken a defensive stance, had I felt threatened, as an official.

It is totally Robertsons fault. He knows that you cannot approach officials and he should be charged and banned.

Citeh represents the Premier League well. I can get behind them for a cup. Paid their dues.

Somer nearly gifts a goal. Haaland got a piece of it and it goes parallel to the goal line. Good early intensity for a CL match

Rodri with a Champions League classic. Upper left corner, Cha!!

A bit special that one.

Great goal keeper got close but not close enough

Ilkay man You could have waited Pep seems to want a second

Upecameno just kept falling apart. On another note, if Tuchel The Movie ever gets made Will Forte would be brill.

Would our 85 team beat this current city team?

Kevin Sheedy would Paul

Paul @ 247; Probably Paul though it might be close - they're all getting on a bit now.

Re. The Linesman; He'll get a token slap on the wrist - end of incident.

Because, to look at it in fullness would mean that a rs would be in the wrong - so it won't happen.

Webb apologises to Brighton - what a joke.

If Brighton had won the game, they would now be in sixth, a point behind fifth-placed Tottenham with two games in hand. Makes you think doesn't it !!

As for the turd Robertson - he should read the classics "Beware Greeks bearing fists ",

Apologies don't get the possible points back.

I caught a link to a RS forum on Robertson this morning, not by mistake but that the poster thought the linesman should be given a custodial sentence for assault.

The delusional comments about the linesman's unprovoked assault also has them now turning the whole thing around in one of their editorials claiming that the media is now trying to "blame" Robertson when he is the innocent victim of an assault.

Always the victim again.. of course he was innocently abusing the hell out of him minutes before he laid hands on him..

I don't attach blame to the linesman at all..

Finn @ 200,

Liverpool are now “moving on” from signing Bellingham. Like they could have ever afforded his transfer fee.

You can tell your deluded kopite mate that he is officially full of shite.

A different era, Paul… we will never know. I do think the midfield of the '85 team was magnificent though, but De Bruyne ain't bad, is he! Kompany, Silva and Aguero was also one hell of a central spine.

But as we all know, the '80s Everton team was decades ago, and before some great Man Utd and Arsenal teams that hammered us regularly along with many customary Liverpool defeats.

As we know, Everton missed the boat in the late '80s and haven't been able to even see it since then. But hey-ho – as Uncle Bill would say, "We've had some Good Times!"

Jack (250),

“Beware of Greeks bearing fists”

Brilliant!!

My god, I never thought I would see another club's fans moaning as much as some on here do, but this West Ham fan out-does everyone. It's actually a good listen and quite funny, after West Ham were thrashed by Newcastle last week…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9BfJAfWvMU

He obviously knows a thing or two about being on the pitch and playing football, Rob!!

All that was missing was the dark cloud above his head with rain pouring down.

He gives that Arsenal TV You Tube bloke a run for his money.

The look on Robertson's face is like Bishop Brennan after Father Ted kicked him up the arse.

No one gives a shit about Chelsea, funny. Gone are the days of pulling for fellow English clubs.

Ben Chilwell sent off. He can have no complaints about that. Last man and dragged the forward down.

I thought Chelsea were getting back into the game before that, Rob.

One of those where you think, should he have let it go? No complaints though. Straight red.

Tony Kroos at 33 and the seemingly ageless Modric at 37. What a classy midfield.

There is a good documentary about Tony Kroos for those who enjoy broader footballing aspects. A very under-rated player, in my opinion, in comparison to how good he actually is and has been. Quietly goes about his business without fuss.

Frank cannily made sure to get his "It will take time" statement in after the first match (loss) at Wolves.

He's right.

2-0. This game is over, and possibly the tie.

Still 15 minutes to go, so if Madrid do score again, then the tie will be over.

That Fofana lad looks like fuckin Ernie off Sesame Street. Lol. Chelsea are terrible

Danny, agree on Kroos, great player - bit of the Matthäus efficiency machine about him.

Why has Frank put Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher on? Does he not realise there’s a second leg still to come? Damage limitation required by Chelsea, to give themselves any chance in the second leg. Just accept the 2-0 defeat.

I think Boehly underestimated how Frank could make recruiting for anothet coach difficult. Thought he was playing it safe and dug that hole deeper.

Dale @ 259,

For no particular reason, not resentment at Abramovich's investment, nothing the club has done previously (though the fans are past combatants of many) – Chelsea are a rather hollow, soulless club that few admire or really notice, despite their period of success.

Weird how that works.

Carlo just showing off now. Still has it. And in a suit.

It's all in the eyebrow.

How come the Madrid player only got a yellow for kicking the Chelsea man from behind and then pushing him over? Looked like violent conduct.

Will, yeah I was slightly surprised when Rob slammed them even though they've won the big cup twice. After thinking about it he is right. This team does not play like the club history makes a fuck to them. Sometimes mercenary clubs win silver but that is not a history-rich club.

(the rarely-seen) Stan @ 227:

All true. Alas, the usual outcome now seems to mainly be the outcome of maximum drama. You could almost bet on it.

Steve Brown @ 253. My kopite pal was at it again yesterday.

So, no Bellingham then?

No. We made an offer. There a lesser team whose greed got the better of them so we told them to F off. We don't bargain.

Finn, what happened Finn was they rang the bank manager and asked if they could increase their overdraft to 130 million. He laughed so much he needed medcal treatment.

Steve - Am sure that medical treatment involved Salbutamol!

Great headed goal by Maguire………..right into his own net! Man Utd throw away a two-goal lead!

Did anyone else see slabhead nod the equalizer in for Sevilla? It was like the forward knew to just get it to slabhead for a chance.

Ha, you were typing as I was. I can't believe Sevilla got back in that but Lamela Gerrarding Casemiro seemed to be a turning point.

2 ogs for United 84' and 92'

Pure comedy gold

I’m not watching it but have just read that the linesman involved in Sunday’s attempted murder case at Anfield, has been NFA’d!

Dale, did you see the first Sevilla goal? Malacia thought it was going out, so left it, but Jesus Navas kept it in and hit it back towards goal, deflecting off Malacia, then De Gea, for the first own goal. Hilarious. Unfortunately, neither goal is the type of luck we get!

United will pay for that late show, they should have been miles ahead in the tie, but credit Seville for staying the distance, in fact they could have won on the night.

No charge against the Assistant from Sunday, because to do so would have meant they would have had to look at Robertsons actions too.

Yeah Rob, the camera closeups of Ten Hag were priceless DeGea looked rather peeved too. Good to see that happen to United since they’ve been on a good run.

Barry (284),

Does this mean the linesman will on the line in the Premier League this weekend?

I just watched FC Schalke 04 v Hertha Berlin, I only joined it at half-time, but what a luxury and a pleasure it was to watch a game, without the constant nuisance of VAR interfering in everything. I hadn't realised that Schalke were near the bottom of the table as their performance was far better than the table would suggest. I assume that VAR is used in the Bundesliga, if it is, I didn't see it used during the whole of the second-half, despite four goals being scored.

Crucial 6 pointer for Schalke Barry. First season back in the Bundesliga after a season in the second tier last time out.

Hopefully the Konigsblauen (Royal Blues) have enough to pull away and stay up.

Here's to Everton following suit tomorrow. 5-2 will do me!