Premier League — Matchweek 37

Looks like Burnley and Luton are relegated.

It does Michael, now board, go and line up Barkley and a couple of others..

Chelsea looking a real team now.could challenge top 4 next season.

Behave Steve fer God's sake. You'll be wanting Moyes back next.

Has anyone read that BBC story from yesterday about a current Premier League manager who is alleged to have raped a teenager – the club know about it but he has not been suspended.

Who was accused of the same thing in the 90s?

Can't find anything historically, Paul - it is in England and Wales though at his house...

Was on the beeb yesterday Gerry, let me find the link - it's actually child sexual abuse.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68985701

Thing is Gerry, he has to be British because none of the European Premier League managers were in England in the '90s.

There are three possibles: Wilder, Moyes, and Dyche.

Eddie Howe is 46, so I suppose that he should be on the list too.

I never speculate, Paul, and sincerely hope it is none of them!!!!

BBC, gutter press. I hate these types of stories. Bring innocent people into suspicion.

Totally agree, Paul H, it is sick the way these papers spread crap.

Hmmmm, I have real doubts that this is crap, Gerry, it's not the papers.

And that's a dumb statement, PH, you hate these stories so what: if they happen they should not be reported? That's absolutely fecking ridiculous mate, sorry.

They should just name the person then, PF.

Didn’t they destroy Sigurdsson’s career with this type of stuff?

Anyway, back to the footy. Forest deserve to stay up despite making knobs of themselves with their appeal and tweet.

I will be delighted to see Luton go down - if anyone has any doubts about Luton have a look at this, horrid, nasty place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hkSc-Cow1o

They did, Colin. And others.

He has been granted anonymity by the Civil Courts, PH.

Bye Bye Luton

Agree Colin. But, unfortunately, it's the way of the world and, if only one of these stories is true, that legitimises the others in the eyes of the media.

In my job, if I am accused of sexual abuse, I am marched off – by uniforms – the campus and banned from the campus while the allegation is being investigated.

Hello Luton

Paul,

The quote would seem to rule out Wilder as he got hired in December.

“In an investigation in November, the BBC revealed how the boss was still in post despite being under criminal investigation for raping a different 15-year-old, who we are calling Kate, in the 1990s.”

Well well Forest not 2 happy now – or is that 3

Wish the commentators would stop saying Forest ain't safe yet. Why? Are Luton going to win 15-0 next weekend?

That's not good for anyone, Craig, let's hope it's a false accusation.

Could happen PH, remember Arbroath beat Bon Accord 36-0.

How good is Cole Palmer; world-class pass for the first goal.

And it's only 12 points PH! Luton beat Fulham 7-0, Burnley beat Forest 6-0. It's on PH!

But when do Luton ever keep a clean sheet?

They'll need to score about 20!!!

Ah though, Neil, remember Pleat at Man City.

Mind you, Rob Edwards said that they were down a few hours ago! Mind games!

Luton need a 10 point swing. And then there is goal difference.

So win 10-nil or hope Forest collapse.

I think Forest are safe even if not mathematically.

This Man Utd team nave no organisation or plan.

There must be one successful Dutch gaffer in the Premier League but I can't think of him.

Let's hope that Slippy Slotty joins the list of failures.

The most annoying commentator in the world is outdoing himself on Sky today!! 😡

Brian, if it’s the Arsenal supporters
‘singing’ that moronic speeded up version of Spirit In The Sky then they should be docked 10 points.

No, Ray, it's the commentator who goes all hysterical when someone's about to shoot and just gets far too carried away naming them.

Fuckin' annoying.

5 live commentary, Brian, always classier (though I struggle with Clinton Morrison)

Wonder if the Man Utd players will do a lap of honour after the final whistle – mind you, that rain is biblical and they play the Skunks at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Gawd yeh Morrison's an errr, he's an errrr, he's not very good. 😇

The humble man's pundit, Brian, know what I mean.

I've never heard Merson talking as much sense as he has just spoken, Brian!

Merson and "talking sense" very rarely heard in the same sentence, Tony!

I know exactly what you mean, Paul.

It will be funny to see if he gets that Spurs tattoo. How many people on this website would get a Liverpool tattoo if it meant Everton could win the league once again?

I would doubt anyone would Tony, although, let's forget the Bird is Blue and we are taking it back.

You're right, Merson, for once spoke sense.

Both Tottenham and Everton now play a part in the title finish.

Me, I just want to finish on 43 points.

I may be in the minority but I actually like Paul Merson, Dion Dublin, Ian Wright and Stan Collymore, they talk sense.

Blue liver bird maybe Tony, next to my Bunnymen tat!

Ian Wright is the top act of those four Joe; little time for the others, especially rat-boy Collymore.

1890-91, 2027-28 Paul!

Blue Liverbird badge

It's ours.

Every single one of them.

Interesting watching Manchester United vs Arsenal.

Gary Neville has commented recently on Old Trafford as being rusty or words to that affect. Once the rain came down yesterday, the roof was leaking.

Well that aside, Everton now play a part in the title decider.

All for Villa to play for tonight. Confirm Champions League if they beat them.

I'm pleased to see Villa doing well but that might well have more to do with how much I like and rate their gaffer who is measured and balanced (not unlike our fella).

It could/should have been us in Villa's position if we had had measured and balanced ownership over the last decade or so.

Villa win, 2-1.

Oh dear!

That’s better! !!

Beat me to it Ray; Forrest Gump is happy!

😁

ah shite

he's fecking offside

Naturally

the offside law is so open to interpretation these days, it makes it too subjective.

And I'm thinking back to the onside Coventry City goal in the FA Cup semi, but of course Coventry aren't a Sky Darling team and Man U like Liverpool are.

disgraceful decision that Joe on a par with the linesman in the Bayern/Real game

MCalister deffo put one on McGinn, ut the delay made it easy for the ref to ignore a clear yellow.

Jaysus Diabi

Well, Villa are making right pigs ear of this. 3-1 now.

ah shite - that looked like Hodgson sitting next to the Villa gaffer

looks off shite

Have those Villa knobheads actually checked the recent Birmingham and Liverpool unemployment stats?

Here you go, Paul.

Table 1 below shows the unadjusted claimant count unemployment data for March 2024 for the core cities. Birmingham has the highest claimant unemployment rate (12.3%) amongst the core cities and is well above the UK average (4.8%). Eight of ten core cities saw claimant numbers increase last month.

Around 14,600 people aged 16 and over in Liverpool were unemployed in the year ending September 2023. This is a rate of 5.7%. This was an increase compared with the year ending September 2022 when the unemployment rate was 3.8%.

Brilliant Rob! Can we frame that mate? Also, can you work all that into a song for Villa home and away next season mate, to the tune of "My old man's a Southall".

Villa are missing far too many easy chances in this game. A bit more composure and they could easily have had at least four goals.

They keep getting in the way of each other in the shite's box Rob and some primary school offside blunders. OW could have had a hat-trick.

Should Villa lose this, and it's looking very likely, then how will Spurs fans respond tomorrow, knowing a victory over Man City will put them just one point behind Villa, but more importantly, will hand Arsenal the biggest incentive ever to win the Premier League?

It would still be in Villa's own hands to get 4th, but they are away to Palace, while Spurs are away to Sheffield Utd. A very tricky predicament for Spurs fans to comprehend, although the players will be thinking nothing else other than trying to beat City.

Get in! Great stuff from Alexis Mac

3-3. Unbelievable. Can Villa get a winner?

Duran, Duran. Not often you see that outside of an 80s themed nightclub.

Remember us playing Man City at home a few years ago, Rob. Mind you, we had nothing to go for, did we?

Don't forget that we can hand the title to City on a big shiny blue plate!

Get in, 3-3, Forrest Gump going mental.

A draw at Palace will be enough for Villa to get 4th.

Mind you, Spurs could easily put a few past Sheffield Utd, providing they can beat Man City first.

Bingo gob teeth fecking smiling. I hate that.

Fun match to watch.

A great fightback by a Villa team who have had a great season.

They fully deserved a point after RS got the benefit of a dubious VAR decision for their second goal.

Villa were not helped by the performance of Digne, did he do anything right?

He didn't look great, Dave.

I liked Digne but I'm quite happy with Mykolenko. Totally committed and full of desire. Some will question him going forward, but he can defend.

Danny (86), I liked Digne but I thought we got rid of at the right time and making a profit on him. Mykolenko? Not sure about him to be honest Danny, his first moves are to go backwards and offers little going forward but defensively he’s the best left back on the books, not sure that means a lot to be honest.

Can't argue with that, Dave. They are opposites, but I suspect Digne is past his best. Mykolenko can still get better, but like you say, he's more defensive.

A few of us have observed that he could probably fit well into a back 3 as the left-sided centre-half, but I don't see Dyche playing that. Mind, he has gone with a changeable 5 at times.

What to do with Garner? I discuss with my brother regularly. He insists on the right-back or right-side. I insist on centre-midfield. Good job we're not picking the team!!

That is Man City's strongest 11 in my opinion. That side would beat most national teams in the world.

Sky interviewed about four or five Spurs fans, who all said they want Spurs to win. They must have interviewed about one thousand Spurs fans, and picked out the ones who said they want Spurs to win.

All it's been all day is Spurs fan after Spurs fan saying they want to lose to Man City, and stop Arsenal from gaining the upper hand in the title race. Certain reporters saying Spurs fans are a disgrace for wanting to lose tonight, but let's face it, who wouldn't want to lose if it meant your city, or nearest rivals not winning the Premier League?

Why would you ever want your own team to lose?

I'll let you finish it off Rob.

Spurs. Big Club?

Danny,

I'm not ashamed to admit it, but I wanted us to lose to Man City back whenever it was, and stop Liverpool winning the league. But then, we had nothing to play for, whereas Spurs have the slightest of chances to get Champions League football next season.

These pundits, ex-players, etc, really don't understand the fierce rivalry between clubs, certainly between the fans. Of course, the most important people, the Spurs players, have professional pride and will of course be going all out to win the game, so it's all irrelevant what fans think.

And besides, I think Man City will win this anyway.

Me too, Rob. The big difference though is that we had nothing to play for but Spurs do.

I don't see how Spurs can beat that Man City 11.

Paul, there have been occasions in the recent past when people on here have wanted us to lose a game in the hope it would get the manager at the time the sack. Now that is a downright disgrace, wanting to lose in the hope it gets your manager the sack.

Obviously, if Spurs were fighting relegation and needed to win tonight, then their fans would be 100% behind their team, but they are prepared to sacrifice a possible place in the Champions League if it meant their fiercest rivals not winning the league, and I fully agree with them.

You're right, Rob, more than a few have done that. A Champions League place means a fair bit of money and a summer of better-quality players coming in.

But they have as much chance of winning it as the Skunks did. I would give that up to stop the Red Shite winning the league.

Their fans may feel differently, but to me the Spurs players look absolutely committed. No rollover happening here.

Paul and Rob, help me out here. What are the rivalries among the London clubs? Do they go along geographic lines?

A friend of mine is a Hammer who married into a family of Palace fans, who I guess are West Ham's biggest rivals now with Millwall in a different division.

How do I keep it all straight?

Spurs - Arsenal in North London but Spurs - Chelsea from the west is a legendary rivalry. In East London, West Ham - Millwall. Over the river in the South-East, Brentford - Fulham both in West London.

It doesn't matter about divisions - Millwall's hatred of Everton goes back to 1973 when 5 Millwall fans got stabbed at Goodison.

When I went to London in 70s/80s, it would not be a surprise to have Millwall giving us a go and that flared up again of course in the cup game a few years back (the worst footy violence in 10 years according to the Met Police).

Mike, as far as I know, it's always been a geographical thing between Spurs and Arsenal, both North London clubs and near to each other. Chelsea, Fulham and Brentford are all West London clubs, but I don't think Chelsea see either of the other two as rivals, it's more Spurs for Chelsea. Don't know why though?

As far as West Ham and Millwall go, I think it's more to do with who had the best “Firm” back in the '70s and '80s. Obvious people to explain fully are any London Blues.

City absolutely need to win this but you wouldn't think so watching this.

Spurs certainly look the better team, and looking more dangerous on the break.

City look nervous to me, but no doubt will now get a Pep bashing at half-time.

Thank fuck. Half time and a rest from the most annoying commentator on earth. 😡

I don't know why I'm watching on Sky, Brian, when I could be watching on Yank TV – the quality of discussion here is even worse than over there, trust me, and nowhere near as entertaining.

We get fourth-tier pundits - one I hate the most is Shake fecking Hislop, though no one - no one - comes even close in bad and evil to that twat Micah Richards and his fucking forced belly laugh impo.

I don't mind Micah too much. Better than the ex rs either side of him but that commentator and his histrionics do my head in. You can just tell it's rehearsed and false.

Anyway, come on City coz the rs will hate really your four on the trot!

Micah is evil, Brian.

Perhaps that's why I like him. 😈

Man City are playing their normal game expecting a goal, Tottenham seem to be playing for a win… and after saying that City go and score!

Haaland!! It’s gone all quiet at the Emirates.

Get iiiiiiin.

Condolences, guys. I actually like the USA commentators most of the time. LeSaux has a good sense of humor.

Great stuff from De Bruyne.

Spurs, Champions League? You 'avin a laugh!

City supporters looking like they have won a bottle of sherry in a raffle.

If that was us our fans, we would have gone fucking bananas.

Classy goal silences the Arse.

Now aren't we all glad we're not involved in such a stressful situation? 🤣🤣🤣

Players barely celebrated. Just... "wheeeewwww."

Haha, Brian

Hiya Mike! 👍💙

How many opponents has Romero tried to kill now?

Too many!

Spurs fans are pathetic doing the Poznan.

I don't remember our fans doing the Poznan or celebrating City goals when City beat us at Goodison 3-2 when we could have assisted the RS winning the league.

Can see this turning a bit tasty now tbh.

He's a hard man, Paul, but there's no way he was gonna pull out of that challenge. He had every right. And the replay shows nothing dirty there.

Spurs shitheads booing Emerson who probably should not be on the pitch.

He wants to kill an opponent, Mike, and would also like to save the rain forest… but killing an opponent comes first.

Football fans being morons shocker.

I don't think I would class Spurs as footy fans on a par with others, Shane. Ederson needs to fucking grow up and think about his family.

Paul, that's who he is and how he became a world champion. Totally committed every play, every minute.

Not a pleasant guy to come up against, but full respect for that.

Romero I mean.

Foden's vision is just abnormal!

I thought you meant Rob, Mike.

Paul, there'd be fans of every club doing the exact same thing if their club was involved. I'm told it's a minority.

Funny thing is, if Ederson had been stretchered off they'd be up applauding.

The fucking cameras searched the whole stadium and found three Spurs fans doing the Poznan.

If they'd have kept searching, I'm pretty sure they'd have spotted someone dressed as Hitler and someone fucking a goat. You know what the media's like.

Probably true, Shane, but Spurs fans live in woods and sewers – not houses, mate.

They just spotted someone dressed as Hitler rimming a goat, Brian.

Told yer!

Bizarrely subdued and passionless game.

I have to say Hitler and goat sex were only the fifth and sixth most likely spotted by the cameras. 😱

Son missed that on purpose! 😁😁

Do you keep goats by any chance Brian?

Not for long Paul. 🤫

Pep crashing to the floor along with millions of Arsenal fans. Great video.

I find it impossible to dislike Pep.

What animals do you follow around there in the Midwest, PF?

I'm guessing 8 minutes added time.

Porro got the ball.

Premier League and PGMOL corrupt.

Penalty!

Peno!

Raccoons and hogs, Mike.

No ball, Michael. Clear, obvious pen.

Yeh Michael but for once, in a good way. 🤣

Game, set and match! Villa get CL as well.

City are champions

Hogs? Now hog hunting is on my bucket list big time. Get me to Texas and set me free!

I think Iowa might be a better hunting ground for you Brian. More hogs than people; plenty to go around.

Rob, if Villa can go from pending bankruptcy to the Champions League in just a couple of seasons, we can too.

Iowa would do me just fine, Paul.

PF #154, yeah, and they're all in pens so Brian can get a better shot. In Texas they run free and have tusks.

I must say the Spurs supporters reaction is a bit shitty to say the least.

We were in a similar situation when Barkley scored first against City at Goodison that time but we never sang or chanted when we went behind, for fuck's sake.

Brian would enjoy the tusks challenge but Iowa people are nicer Brian and will take you into their homes, hearths, and hearts and give you free rein in the pens.

Haha. Paul I don't wanna shoot 'em in pens. Where's the challenge in that man?

Need Man City to get 2 or 3 early goals on Sunday.

That will filter down to the players and we won't get embarrassed.

Are there many other wilderness men on the Wirral, Brian?

Carragher! Can't make a comment without including a reference to Liverpool or Anfield. Halfwit!

Brian, just skip that step and head straight for the BBQ restaurants!

Slow-cooked pork is simply the best thing in the world.

🐗🐗🐗

25 years ago, Manchester United were winning the treble, and Manchester City, were going into the Third Division. 1999, what a year that turned out for us Evertonians… 🤑🤮

I heard the other day that Everton have got 30,000 people on the waiting list for a season ticket. Unbelievable, and more proof that, even though we have been in the doldrums for years, the fans did not desert the team, and the club is getting ready to grow again.

Cast your minds back to the coach greeting against Chelsea on the day Richarlison, gave us our most iconic picture since Dave Watson lifted up the FA Cup. This get-together was incredible and what was even more incredible was that it was mostly put together by the younger generation of Evertonians who have never seen the club win a fucking trophy.

Stay strong, Toffees, because the end of the darkest tunnel that Everton Football Club have ever been in is coming to its end and We Shall Not Be Moved! Goodnight!!!

I can't see Man City losing it now… but I thought that a long time ago.

With Haaland, they are always a big danger but the whole squad is just way ahead of everyone else thanks to the big bank account and Arsenal are not far behind.

Hard to see any team coming close to them next season.

What still annoys me is the stupid offside flagging.
What moron or morons with the league thought it was a good idea for the linesman not to flag immediately but let the game carry on even though we all know it will be raised eventually.

Surely to God that will be changed along with the useless VAR people referring decisions back to the referee instead of doing what they have been paid for.

Thank God this season is over. COYB.

Just got off work and I am so glad for that result. Now to finish them off.

Tony 166,

I'm one of those fans that is on the waiting list, can you put in a good word for me.

My son will be 21 later this week and has not seen us win anything yet. All good things come to those who wait!!

I'm a priority one David, although I'm talking with my brother to transfer his.

Tony, we shall never give in and never be moved. The previous board soon found that out. They picked on the wrong supporters. Total misjudgement and disappointing in how the whole situation was handled.

I am not naive enough to realise the challenges of managing a business, and except confidentiality and disclosure. Goodness, I'm signed up to the hilt and can't ever talk about things I've been involved in.

We are extremely loyal supporters and it really disappointed me the way we were treated. But that's the past now. Let's look to the future and move on.

I keep saying, the younger generation never cease to amaze me and they will loud and proud at Arsenal on Sunday. Let's give those boys and the manager another send-off at The Emirates.

Sorry to be a weather geek, but I checked. It's going to be relatively mild with sun and cloud. For those attending, that's good as that away section is a proper furnace in the heat.

Here and now, go and enjoy the day out blues. And that includes those watching around the globe.

Bella Ciao

Paul#162.
There's a few, but we keep it quiet.

Danny 170,

If anyone deserves a season ticket, it is you.

Fantastic supporter and always positive which is not easy with our club!

Excellent finish by Gordon.

Maybe that £100M price-tag is not far wrong!

A few months ago someone suggested I had been smoking something when I posted that we were close to Brighton and De Zebri was nothing special…

As of this morning, there is one game to go:

Brighton on 48 points.
Everton (before deduction) on 48 points.

Feeling quite smug that I was right. Final day is Arsenal (A) for us and Man Utd (H) for them.

The BBC has been nauseating with their coverage of Klopp's last weekend.

If it wasn't bad enough, it tipped the scales when then interviewed a Baker who has made a Klopp Pie.

I'm glad I won't be near a television screen on Sunday to go through the emotional bullshit.

I'll be watching Everton.

I just dropped a Klopp pie after my morning coffee.

On a less disgusting note, what are the scenarios to look for in the Big Rob v PF Commando fantasy competition?

I think Paul has it Dale, although Rob might call in fantasy VAR for a controversial decision!!

Good luck tomorrow blues, wherever you are.

What does he win? A life size blow up Ricardo Montalban doll in an Everton kit? No wait, in a black track suit just like the GGaffer.

David #169, your post prompted me to look up season ticket allocations.

Apparently we have around 31,000 season ticket holders at Goodison, with a 34,000 waiting list.

The new stadium's capacity with an 80% season ticket allocation will mean 42,000 season ticket holders.

Something doesn't add up?

Eric, the way I see it is that, with an extra (near enough) 14,000 seats at the new stadium, 8,000 will be allocated to those on the waiting list, while the other 6,000 are corporate seats etc.

I think anyone can apply for these seats, even those on the waiting list, but the club are saying over 80% of these seats have already been sold.

So if anyone has a spare few thousand quid knocking about, then get your coat on and get moving, down to the Liver Buildings where the sales team are!