The Title Race - 2023/24

[Axel Freed]

The dippers get a routine victory at an utterly shite Bournemouth and the flappers start flapping again

 

[Gorbachev]

I said in the matchday thread, Bournemouth is one of if not the easiest away day in the league. You will get a bigger scrap away to Sheffield United and Luton.

They found form in recent months, but they probably know 3 more wins and that's them safe for another season.

Liverpool will be a 90 point team this season in my opinion and from past seasons we know what is in the pipeline ahead.

I have come to terms this season with the fact that if we lose it we only have ourselves to blame. The November period was unacceptable from this team and will be what costs us this season if we miss out on the title.

 

[Roachy]

The dippers get a routine victory at an utterly shite Bournemouth and the flappers start flapping again

That is possibly the most inept and gutless display I've seen from a team in the PL this season. Bournemouth were pathetic tbh, abysmal attitude on display and the scousers took full advantage. The defenders actually couldn't be arsed doing anything to prevent all of those goals, they were dreadful.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

That is possibly the most inept and gutless display I've seen from a team in the PL this season.

it couldn’t have been worse than the last 10 minutes of Palace at Arsenal! I’ve never seen a team literally display the “Fuck it, I’m out!” sign and down tools in a game quite so obviously.

In what should have been a tight 1-0 game going into injury time (because the first 2 goals from corners were glaringly obvious fouls!), the level of “Who gives a shit?” were so high it turned into a 5-0 mauling that will cost Roy his job. And, if he’s still there next weekend, if they don’t beat SUFC, that’ll be his death knell.

Does he need the money or WTF?!

 

[ChicagoBlue]

City, Liverpool or one of the pack will probably have a very good run of results, while the rest splutter, dropping points from a few draws and a defeat (or two, at most) and the gap will open up.

For me, City are once again focused on the League providing g the fitness and rhythm that will see them be successful in the Champions League, with the FA Cup allowing the peripheral rotated players seeing more game time. If that results in a second place finish and a second CL trophy on the trot, I’d take your hand off right now.

In fact, if you could guarantee me the CL and neither Liverpool or Arsenal winning the League, I’d start playing the subs in the PL now!

The fact that the red tops are the major challengers for the PL is the only thing that is making me REALLY, REALLY want to win it…because they’re both insufferable clubs run by twats who think they deserve it and more by birthright! Oh, and the fact that 4 in a row has never been done before, so we might as well get it in before the PL (and the rest of the PL clubs) declares “victory” on City being “cheats” for not “fully cooperating” with their investigation!

 

[alexmcity]

That is possibly the most inept and gutless display I've seen from a team in the PL this season. Bournemouth were pathetic tbh, abysmal attitude on display and the scousers took full advantage. The defenders actually couldn't be arsed doing anything to prevent all of those goals, they were dreadful.

Bournemouth weren't bad in the first half, especially given their key absentees. Unlike Liverpool, they don't have enough quality on the bench. It was a game in which everything in the 2nd half went for Liverpool, who expectedly had more energy, too.

The wrong conclusion Liverpool fans make from their wins with squad players is that they must have the best team/squad if they are capable of winning without Salah and other first team players. Football doesn't work like that, though. They'll drop points when Salah, TAA and other such players are available. Reality will hit them when they are least expecting it.

 

[Roachy]

it couldn’t have been worse than the last 10 minutes of Palace at Arsenal! I’ve never seen a team literally display the “Fuck it, I’m out!” sign and down tools in a game quite so obviously.

In what should have been a tight 1-0 game going into injury time (because the first 2 goals from corners were glaringly obvious fouls!), the level of “Who gives a shit?” were so high it turned into a 5-0 mauling that will cost Roy his job. And, if he’s still there next weekend, if they don’t beat SUFC, that’ll be his death knell.

Does he need the money or WTF?!

Didn't see that match but read the write up afterwards. Take a look at the Bournemouth defenders for the goals, lamentable is putting it mildly.

 

[Gone for a Burton]

The 'fixed' game at Anal Field could be pivotal.

A win would feel like more than 3 points.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Didn't see that match but read the write up afterwards. Take a look at the Bournemouth defenders for the goals, lamentable is putting it mildly.

Thought the goals were OK, esp the first one. Some lovely first time passing and shot, painful as it is to say.

 

[Grassland Blue]

It was the opinion of some posters a few weeks ago, that the title was over.
I had the audacity to suggest that was far from the case and that the title could come down to goal difference, for which I was berated.
I believe the outcome of the match at klanfield will determine the destination of this seasons' title.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

It was the opinion of some posters a few weeks ago, that the title was over.
I had the audacity to suggest that was far from the case and that the title could come down to goal difference, for which I was berated.
I believe the outcome of the match at klanfield will determine the destination of this seasons' title.

I believe a shock result in the last 4-5 games of the season will determine the outcome, be it a draw or loss.

 

[spacecadet]

I still think we need to get our hands dirty in the transfer market. This squad is too thin. A couple of injuries at any time and we are back in the long grass.

 

[Tolmie scores]

I said in the matchday thread, Bournemouth is one of if not the easiest away day in the league. You will get a bigger scrap away to Sheffield United and Luton.

They found form in recent months, but they probably know 3 more wins and that's them safe for another season.

Liverpool will be a 90 point team this season in my opinion and from past seasons we know what is in the pipeline ahead.

I have come to terms this season with the fact that if we lose it we only have ourselves to blame. The November period was unacceptable from this team and will be what costs us this season if we miss out on the title.

Bournemouth had won 6 from last 8!! Thats some form. Played well first half but missed a few good opps. Fair play to Liverpool, they dug in and pit the foot on the gas after HT. MaCalister played well. Much needed for them. You have rmto say that win was very impressive.

 

[Tolmie scores]

Underrated observation, imo. Went to rawk, they are over optimistic.

Think they underestimate City, which is not a big surprise, given that even City fans question the quality of the squad. It's exceptional, imo. Injuries to KDB, Stones, Haaland and Doku plus Rodri's suspensions have misled people into thinking we are there for the taking.

But theres no gaurantee that players recover from injuries smoothly. Pep alluded to this re KDB..he def needs cotton wool wrapping..easy to get another hamstring injury at his age...he is not a spritely build. I think we are too thin as a squad and too weak at the back for a run thats required. Hope im wrong but...5 points to just catch up! Ok game in hand but...i think its a step too far..consolidate a top 4 slot and go for UCL would be my realistic aim if i was Pep.

 

[Roachy]

Thought the goals were OK, esp the first one. Some lovely first time passing and shot, painful as it is to say.

Yes the finishes were ok. Oh for City to be presented with them opportunities though,lol.

 

[alexmcity]

But theres no gaurantee that players recover from injuries smoothly. Pep alluded to this re KDB..he def needs cotton wool wrapping..easy to get another hamstring injury at his age...he is not a spritely build. I think we are too thin as a squad and too weak at the back for a run thats required. Hope im wrong but...5 points to just catch up! Ok game in hand but...i think its a step too far..consolidate a top 4 slot and go for UCL would be my realistic aim if i was Pep.

Being pessimistic is a way to cope. I don't see any reason to be pessimistic now, though. On the contrary, 5 from our attacking players are quite young and may get only better. The prospect of watching the interplay between Rodri, KDB, Foden, Bernardo, Doku, Haaland, Grealish, Alvarez, Bobb, Kovacic, Nunes...is mouthwatering.

KDB''s injury may be a blessing in disguise. Same with Stones' and Haaland's injuries. They needed that rest after the epic efforts from last season. Watch them return fresh and hungry. City are big favourites for a reason. Imo, the squad is much better than many fans realise.

 

[waspish]

It was the opinion of some posters a few weeks ago, that the title was over.
I had the audacity to suggest that was far from the case and that the title could come down to goal difference, for which I was berated.
I believe the outcome of the match at klanfield will determine the destination of this seasons' title.

Yep Anfield it out biggest game we have to win for me and we don't win there!

 

[chris85mcfc]

I still think we need to get our hands dirty in the transfer market. This squad is too thin. A couple of injuries at any time and we are back in the long grass.

We've been plagued with injuries all season, and are effectively 2 points off top spot.

We actually just need a bit of luck with keeping players fit!

 

[chris85mcfc]

Yep Anfield it out biggest game we have to win for me and we don't win there!

Why do we need to win there? Do you honestly think that's the only game that them lot could drop points in...

We can't afford to get beat, but leagues aren't won or lost in one game

 

[SamBlue]

Yep Anfield it out biggest game we have to win for me and we don't win there!

Tottenham away is by far the biggest and the worst for me. Pep somehow adapted to Klopp, even a draw is a good result. We'll see on Friday where we are with Spurs.
The issue is we are not scoring nowhere as many as in previous seasons and feel almost obliged to concede whenever possible.
Liverpool's game this season is just above average and they've still been winning and easily coming from behind.