Apparently, Arsenal are physically the smallest team in the PL, while Chelsea are the biggest. It was certainly obvious today.

Roy Hodgson has defended his 35year record, how about this for a record.  Jose, the special one, has not lost at home in 8years, league football I assume, 138 matches.  I suggest RH is still using methods that were succesful 35 years ago, more recently at Fulham which is where he should have stayed.  I'm  not too well versed in tactics but I think RB used zonal marking and RH uses man marking.  Why throw the baby out with the bathwater?  Introduce innovation gradually.

So so predictable Im afraid we will play anyone off the park but score..........nope, not even from half a yard out. WENGER, you need a re think matey. I say bring back the 1-0's, anything to win a trophy.

As for Liverpool, well relegation looms....................................well it will if they dont buck their idea's up , I am sure they will finish in the top 7 or 8, will they keep on to key players???? Not too sure

Always nice to read the transfer rumours on a Monday morning as journos put their invented copy online - the latest (and a rather old 'story' at that) being that Man U and Real Madrid are set to battle it out for the services of Gareth Bale. 

Quite how United and Real Madrid can afford to come up with the necessary readies is beyond me. Indeed, how United in particular can be expected to stump up the cash having reportedly had a GBP20m bid knocked back this summer, fills me with a sense of amusement.

Here's a topic that will probably lead to the usual banter, but I think it deserves an airing.

City fast on the way to being top dogs of Manchester?

As someone said yesterday on TV or radio it's a bit worrying when your best players this season are 35 & 37.

I think City are one striker away from the real deal, perhaps not Chelsea standard, but the ones to finally burst the big three's bubble.

Hmmm now where shall I start.

1- Citeh are top dogs in Mancland by default.

2- They are probably one striker away from the real deal, but maybe two managers.

3- I don't really think there is a top three anymore. I'm assuming you're referring to Arsenal when you mention 'big three'.

Indeed. I've relegated Liverpool and I don't think that the most passionate fan could argue with that.

Arsenal are there by default, but only by consistency and reputation.

The curious thing in all of this is that despite Chelsea being head and shoulders above everyone else at the moment, it is probably still only the third most supported team in London. Indeed, it could be argued that the old 'big five' (Man U, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal and Spurs) remains intact, when it comes to support.

Thats a fair shout, it will take the likes of Man City quite a few years before they can become a member of the Big ???? club.

The interesting thing for me is that Arsenal regularly get 60,000 at home , despite not winning a bloody thing for 5 years....soon to be 6 IMO.

We wont know the answer but will 60,000 turn up to watch Chelsea if thay were to go the same period without a trophy ??

I seriously doubt Chelski could fill a 60000 seater stadium - I'm not even sure what their catchment area is. I know Spurs and Arsenal could. As for Citeh, I would imagine their 'core' support, which has always been pretty sizeable, largely stayed intact during the lean years (whether everyone showed up is another matter) and probably won't go up that much, despite the Arab money.

Or one away from being a TOP 7 team, without Tevez they will struggle IMO.

They could, except I don't think Mancini's up to it. The sooner he stops his nonsense of playing three defensive midfielders the better.

Too true, be interesting what happens with Spur's new ground?? Any idea's??

They tried the three defensive midfielders routine against Spurs at the beginning of the season and got absolutely battered. But for Joe Hart, who had a storming game, it could have been 3 or 4-0. Their goal threat, unsurprisingly, was minimal for much of the game. They won't be able to rely on Joe Hart for all of their away games this season.

Given, so we are told, their talent, they should at least try and make a game of it, rather than playing like they're Stoke or Wolves in disguise.

EDIT: Tevez and Mancini have dust up - reportedly over the latter's negative tactics.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/04/carlos-tevez-roberto-mancini-manchester-city

Oh dear, Abramovich set to indulge in some willy waggling. I guess he won't be taking his hols in Ireland this year.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/8042534/Roman-Abramovichs-Millhouse-warns-Ireland-of-legal-action-over-Irish-Nationwide-bail-out.html

One for Saint. The love shown for Liverpool is almost palpable. But not quite.

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=529600

The Liverpool soap opera continues...an agreement to sell the club, but who exactly is entitled to make the decision?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/9064599.stm

It's worth looking at how the Hicks/Gillett shamples all started...with hope in their heart...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...ool/6323037.stm

But the pair are also believed to have guaranteed to invest over £200m in the club, but they refused to discuss figures.

They confirmed they will make funds available, both for team strengthening and the building of the club's new stadium in Stanley Park and denied they had secured the club on borrowed money.

------------------------


Parry added: "This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders - it is the beginning of a new era for the club. "They are bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for sport, real resources and a strong commitment to the traditions of Liverpool.

"We know that George and Tom want a long-term relationship with Liverpool and that they also understand the importance of investing in our success both on and off the field.



Doh...

You would have thought one of the principle rules of business was to learn from one's mistakes and never repeat them...

Well, here's to years of mid-table mediocritywith the pinnacle of our ambitions being a top-4 place. The only way to compete with Chelsea and Man City is to have a sugar-daddy owner yourself - and this will be increasingly so.

A thoroughly depressing outcome, even if there still may be a twist.

Liverpool fans Wives are reported to be delighted at the news that the Yanks are not only OUT but are also coming IN. Shiela from Toxteth said, "i'm sick of sleeping on Yanks Out protest sheets, at least Jimmy can keep these for the next one".

Agreed. Anyway, the Red Sox's finances will now be heading south.

http://news.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20101006slumping_sox_may_be_tougher_sell_next_year_boys_of_bummer/srvc=home&position=also

The real reason why the Red Sox are buying Liverpool.

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/red-sox-owner-fulfills-boyhood-passion-for-whingeing-thieves-201010063141/

Should prove interesting to see whether RBS opts to roll over the loan should Statler & Waldorf win in the High Court. If not then it's likely ta ta to the PL. 

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/football/article-1319226/Liverpool-deal-brink-collapse-US-buyers-walk-away-club-docked-points.html