The Footie Thread

[Bdill93]

Enough silliness, back to tonight's game between 2 of the teams of the season. Which Brighton will turn up, the one who gave Arsenal a lesson or the one who were schooled by Everton (okay, I know that didn't happen but in a sorry season we have to stretch the truth a little ). Newcastle need a win to steady their ship, make sure that top 4 is guaranteed. Hard one to call but I don't think Newcastle at home will allow Brighton the space and time that Arsenal gave them and so I think Newcastle will sneak a win, just.

Being as Villa could do with a Newcastle win for our slim hopes of Europe... Brighton probably smash em

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Being as Villa could do with a Newcastle win for our slim hopes of Europe... Brighton probably smash em

Not sure it does you any good qualifying for Thursday night Europe. Stretches the squad, tires the players. Come one place below this year and give it full beans next season. See where you are after that.

 

[Swango1980]

Not sure it does you any good qualifying for Thursday night Europe. Stretches the squad, tires the players. Come one place below this year and give it full beans next season. See where you are after that.

You reckon Villa would not mind risking Thursday European football next season, so they could push for top 4 and Champions League following season?

That would be a risky strategy, as they'd be up against City, Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle and even Brighton. There will be a good few sides you'd think would have better odds at getting top 4 when season kicks off than Villa, even if a few of them need to put this season behind them

 

[Lord Tyrion]

You reckon Villa would not mind risking Thursday European football next season, so they could push for top 4 and Champions League following season?

That would be a risky strategy, as they'd be up against City, Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle and even Brighton. There will be a good few sides you'd think would have better odds at getting top 4 when season kicks off than Villa, even if a few of them need to put this season behind them

This season they are looking at possibly Europa Conference, or whatever it is called. The worst of the European comps with next to no credibility, sorry West Ham fans.

When you look at their form since Emery came in they have plenty to be positive about. The so called big 4/5 rarely all fire at the same time so always a chance to get 4th or maybe 5th and Europa League, if you are consistent. If I was in their shoes I'd rather take that risk, trust in what is happening at the club.

Obviously, Villa fans may feel very different.

 

[Deleted member 18121]

The worst of the European comps with next to no credibility, sorry West Ham fans.

My father in law is in his late 60s, West Ham fan his whole life.... and I can tell you that he has absolutely no qualms about the level of trophy. They are potentially about to be in a European final and he is absolutely buzzing.

Some fans could go nearly their whole lives and never get near a trophy like that.

 

[Neilds]

My father in law is in his late 60s, West Ham fan his whole life.... and I can tell you that he has absolutely no qualms about the level of trophy. They are potentially about to be in a European final and he is absolutely buzzing.

Some fans could go nearly their whole lives and never get near a trophy like that.

I know how he feels, going to Wembley last season for the Papa John's final to watch my team was great. When it doesn't happen that often it is special.
I feel sorry for the fans of top teams, must get really boring winning all the time and the special occasions lose their sparkle where us 'lesser' teams can really enjoy them

 

[Tashyboy]

Have you changed your meds .?
will you be going to the Final?

Unless I win tickets am in the front room with the grandkids.

 

[Bdill93]

This season they are looking at possibly Europa Conference, or whatever it is called. The worst of the European comps with next to no credibility, sorry West Ham fans.

When you look at their form since Emery came in they have plenty to be positive about. The so called big 4/5 rarely all fire at the same time so always a chance to get 4th or maybe 5th and Europa League, if you are consistent. If I was in their shoes I'd rather take that risk, trust in what is happening at the club.

Obviously, Villa fans may feel very different.

Its one of those things.

I fully accept that our charge to Europe was too late, we wasted 12 games under Gerrard and you're right, since Emery came in we are actually playing like a top 6 side in results terms - we have a shed load of positives from this season for sure.

I also don't really mind if we don't make Europe at all, it'd cost me a lot of money going to the rear end of nowhere across Europe following Villa next year in the Europa Conference. However the risk could be losing Martinez to a high bidder - which would be a big loss for us. I dont see many others leaving but Watkins hasn't penned a new deal yet and I don't doubt clubs will sniff around him (and tempt him) if we don't get any European football.

However - its still on, and you cant help but dream of what we could achieve in the ECL with Unai at the wheel (a serial Europa League winner). A cup is a cup no matter what it is.

The squad needs additions for sure, but I don't feel we are far away from being able to compete on 2 fronts at the lower end of European competition. We have depth at LB, CB, RB, CM. We are weaker in forward positions - and need a much better starting RW for sure this summer.

The league is an unpredictable beast, but you've got to assume that next year: City, Arsenal, United, Newcastle, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs are all in the hunt from the off for Europe. Below those - Us and Brighton (who may end up selling a few of the best this summer) will be doing all we can to upset the apple cart. Thats 9 teams for 6/7 spaces depending on who wins the domestic cups.

West Ham are showing the alternative way of getting into higher European comps - win the lesser ones. And if they can.. so can we really.

 

[clubchamp98]

Could be a few reasons for this:

1. It is because Liverpool fans are much better than Man City fans....
2. Nearly every camera angle immediately after a goal has been scored captures the crowds behind the goal. You therefore get their immediate reaction, whereas the camera pick up the crowd at the side of the pitch just after this immediate euphoria
3. They are further away. If you are right behind the goal and can almost look into the players eyes, while they run towards you to celebrate, does a fan react with more vigour than if they are at the side of the pitch and the players are almost dots in the distance?

There was a camera image of Pep when a goal went in, and the crowd behind him seemed to celebrate with plenty of enthusiasm

Think it’s more to do with VAR.
score great arms up then wait to see if it’s ok with VAR then celebrate again.

 

[Tashyboy]

Have you changed your meds .?
will you be going to the Final?

In response, no am not going to the final but my son is. He put down for the UEFA Ballot ticket thingy and has a ticket. A steady €490 euro for the ticket and then trying to sort out accommodation. Sweet Lordy Lordy. A retired man cannot afford those prices.

 

[clubchamp98]

In response, no am not going to the final but my son is. He put down for the UEFA Ballot ticket thingy and has a ticket. A steady €490 euro for the ticket and then trying to sort out accommodation. Sweet Lordy Lordy. A retired man cannot afford those prices.

Neither can most working folk.
Thats taking the pee imo.
Hope he has a great time and is not to upset when Inter tonk you

 

[Tashyboy]

Neither can most working folk.
Thats taking the pee imo.
Hope he has a great time and is not to upset when Inter tonk you

Tonk

am staying out of the travel arrangements as it’s causing a rift

 

[nickjdavis]

Hard fought bit ultimately well deserved win over Brighton tonight. Hopefully seal Champions League place on Monday against Leicester but anything can happen against a team fighting for survival.

Almiron was immense tonight...heart of a lion.

 

[PJ87]

I'm delighted for Pablo , had such a tough season for one reason or another (don't think we the fan knows the full story) anyways

What a tidy finish there ..

 

[Deleted member 18121]

I'm delighted for Pablo , had such a tough season for one reason or another (don't think we the fan knows the full story) anyways

What a tidy finish there ..

Not a great game but job done, a European final... Who'd have thought it.

 

[Billysboots]

Unbelievable goings on at Hillsborough. That’s some comeback.

 

[srixon 1]

Sheffield Wednesday. What a result.

 

[PJ87]

Not a great game but job done, a European final... Who'd have thought it.

Professional performance in the end, played as a team but great that we could actually win it

Joe cole spot on btw with his views on the scenes in the stands

Ban em for life

 

[Tashyboy]

Just outta interest, anyone googled where West Ham play the final.It holds 19,000. Seriously

 

[PJ87]

Just outta interest, anyone googled where West Ham play the final.It holds 19,000. Seriously

Both teams will have around 5000 tickets each after uefa take their sponsor allowance etc