The Football Topic (Page 42 of 52)

A good series of matches today with every victor snatching the spoils at the death.

Bitterly disappointed about the Hammers not holding on with 15 minutes to go. We have a poor record against the scouse and I would have settled for a draw beforehand but to conceed 2 goals like that. A bitter pill.

I'm sure Spurs fans feel the same way, but a defeat at Everton is no shame these days.

United triumphed again almost in 'Fergie Time', but having a good goal disallowed earlier it was probably a fair result.

Bit tight in there at the moment from 12th to 5th. I hope Big Sam can keep us in the mix until the festivities are over, which is traditionally when the Hammers, like the decorations...come down!

Predictably it is all the media is talking about now. Whilst I think objects being thrown happens far more often than it should at all matches, it is clear that at emotional derby fixtures the risk will be heightened.

I don't like the idea of a screen behind the goal although it is prevalent at many stadiums in Germany. The clubs have the main responsibility here along with their stewarding contractor and they should be ensuring it does not happen. There are some simple solutions for things like players taking corners being exposed. Stewards could move into a protective position whilst they monitor the crowd at this moment in the game. If this isn't practical due to the nature of the stadium then perhaps some kind of 'Batting net' whether permanent or temporary should be considered in these areas.

The whole crowd should not be punished for the acts of a few, but they should be viewed as extreme acts.

The players also have a responsibility not to celebrate in this fashion. Personally I would have the advertising hoardings raised so they can't jump over or get behind them. Players should keep their celebrations on the ptich. I don't like this current trend and never have. In an away game situation it is incitement even if it is before their own fans.

But this matter lays firmly with the clubs. City today, maybe United tomorrow. Find the offenders and ban them...for life.

Nice work from this team of Greek kids. A well worked goal and well worth watching. It would put many pro sides to shame.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/video/2 … goal-video

Delighted that my Hammers are finally truly safe, after a great last three games that saw us take six points from four tough games, including a point at Anfield (a minor miracle,) and that we can now aim to finish ninth!

Suarez. :fp Nothing else left to say.

Ajax are on course for their their third successive title, if they don't drop any more points.

Very much looking forward to Bayern-Barca, though I fear that Bayern may just be too good right now. Much will depend on how fit Messi is when he returns from injury.

and when you think that football has reached the lowest point with the Suarez incident (which deserves no debate) and along comes the perfect pass from Rooney and the most perfect finish from van Persie to restore your complete faith in the game. If that first half seals the league title, fair play, well done Man Utd deserving champions, nobody I have seen has come close to that this season in the Premiership, nothing more to say.

Difficult to believe that Munich have just put 4 past Barcelona. I never thought of them as a 1 man team but it looks that way really.
I admire that they stick t their principles even when 2 down but really, when you haven't had a shot on goal in almost 65 minutes, I think you need to be trying for something else.

That said, the 2 nd and 3rd goal should never have stood. Offside and then a clear foul by Mueller.
Bar ca deserved to lose, for sure. But by 4. I don't think so. Looks like it is Bayern's year.

Their president is a criminal fraudster, their players cheat, and despite voicing their concerns last week that they were becoming too strong in the Bundesliga they have today, the day before Dortmund play in the other semi final, announced they have signed Dortmunds star player Mario Goetze for next season.

Munich win. But with a sour taste I think.

You saved me the effort, Mike. Totally agree with all you have written. Allowing the third goal in particular to stand was an absolute disgrace. I also couldn't believe that Tito didn't tey to change things sooner than he did. Messi was clearly not fit and lost the ball almost every time he received it, Sanchez was his usual useless self, and Pedro invisible. Villa should have come on much sooner, possibly Tello for some speed down the wing, or Thiago or Cesc. The midfield had nowhere to get rid of the ball, and tap-tapping it around when you're already 2-0 or 3-0 down is kind of pointless in a CL semi.

The way the Goetze move was announced, and the move itself leaves, as you say, a bad taste as Bayern yet again buys up the opposition's best players. Having said all that though, certainly after last year's final, and the way they have dominated this season, Bayern deserves to win the CL.

Yes please, let it be Wigan.

I agree Brack.
They are not, or should not be a one man team, but with or without him, in both games, there was precious little penetration in the final 3rd. Certainly not against Bayern's well marshalled and drilled defence.

Last night 'Tika-Taka', or as the Gremans call it 'Tika-Kacka', was almost abandoned, but it made no difference. Must have been galling for the Spanish fans to see Bayern's version of the craft being so ably demonstrated. Some of Munich's close quarters passing was very impressive.

Bayern didn't really seem in any danger I thought. Once past half time there was virtually zero chance for Barca. Robben's goal, cutting in like we've seen a hundred times on his left foot and trying to curl a shot past the keeper, was just reward for his industry. Robben doesn't have much of a right foot so I never fully understand why defenders don't get closer and block this route. The best he can do with his right foot is stand on it or deliver an average cross. An illustration of Barca's current malaise was they allowed him the time and space to try his favourite routine once more. To be fair he took the shot early and that caught the defence out too.

It was an impressive performance by Bayern. It is right that the two German clubs are there. Dortmund are about the ony team that can keep Muncih honest and although Munich will be favourites it isn't clear cut. Some romantics are predicting Dortmund will win with Goetze scoring the fairytale winner. Don't know about that.

Common sense says Bayern will be 3rd time lucky this year. They are driven to win it, or so it seems, but thats fine. Nothing Klopp likes more that pricking balloons and bubbles!

In an interview post Tuesday Lewandowski indicated himself that he might be playing for Bayern next year or in the future. I don't understand it. I really don't. You have won 2 leagues titles and 2 cups with Dortmund and now stand in a Euro final with them. Whats the point of going to another German club to do it again? Go elsewhere and make it count if you have to but going to your clubs biggest rivals. I hope a prem club comes in with a better offer, or personal terms. Lewandowski would be a big hit in the Premiership. No question in my mind about that. Man City anyone? He'd be a perfect Arsenal player for sure.

Roll on the final anyway.............