The boring top 4 thread

[Stevencc]

Calling Matip a “Rolls-Royce prime Ferdinand” is another highlight

That was great, yeah.

I must've missed that part of Matip's Liverpool career.

 

[Pagnell]

Don't worry, Liverpool fans did too.

 

[Lionel Messi]

It is remarkable that Liverpool won’t be buying a playmaker this transfer window. Even Lallana’s injury record hasn’t changed their stance With Aubameyang joining Arsenal I think the race for Top Four is back on Aubameyang, Lacazette, Mkhitaryan and Özil is an attack with immense potential Spurs still need some true wide options.

 

[Renegade]

I have a question for the Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs fans and I don't really fancy creating an entire thread for it. Would you rather finish in the top 4 or win the FA Cup? My mate is adamant that anyone that chooses the cup over Champions League qualification is wrong/an idiot, whilst I'm of the view that it really depends on the club and how recently they've won a competition. So my guess was that Spurs and Liverpool fans might prefer winning the FA Cup this season, whilst Arsenal would prefer CL qualification since they pretty much own the FA Cup these days. Thoughts? I think either view is valid really and I can see all fan bases being split.

 

[Lionel Messi]

It is all about the memories and great historical moments!

1st Champions League
2nd La Liga
3rd Copa del Rey
4th Top Four
5th Supercopa de España

 

[mistermagic]

I have a question for the Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs fans and I don't really fancy creating an entire thread for it. Would you rather finish in the top 4 or win the FA Cup? My mate is adamant that anyone that chooses the cup over Champions League qualification is wrong/an idiot, whilst I'm of the view that it really depends on the club and how recently they've won a competition. So my guess was that Spurs and Liverpool fans might prefer winning the FA Cup this season, whilst Arsenal would prefer CL qualification since they pretty much own the FA Cup these days. Thoughts? I think either view is valid really and I can see all fan bases being split.

Why would anyone prioritize winning the FA Cup? It lost its value down the years and doesn't get you anything other than a medal. If Klopp or Pochettino win the FA Cup, nay-sayers will say that it's not a particularly difficult trophy to win (and they'd be right Arsenal won it).

 

[Renegade]

Why would anyone prioritize winning the FA Cup? It lost its value down the years and doesn't get you anything other than a medal. If Klopp or Pochettino win the FA Cup, nay-sayers will say that it's not a particularly difficult trophy to win (and they'd be right Arsenal won it).

The question is what would the fans rather, not what is best for the club financially or what the managers prioritise. Basically...glory in the cup or qualifying for the Champions League next season where you will probably go out in the last 16?

 

[mistermagic]

The question is what would the fans rather, not what is best for the club financially or what the managers prioritise. Basically...glory in the cup or qualifying for the Champions League next season where you will probably go out in the last 16?

Depends on the club I suppose. I doubt Liverpool fans are too bothered about Saturday night's defeat.

 

[SALTIRE]

Depends on the club I suppose. I doubt Liverpool fans are too bothered about Saturday night's defeat.

Oh we are alright, been yonks now since we last won something.

 

[epic73]

How long is a yonk?

 

[SALTIRE]

How long is a yonk?

A sufficiently long time, yank.

 

[Bilo]

I have a question for the Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs fans and I don't really fancy creating an entire thread for it. Would you rather finish in the top 4 or win the FA Cup? My mate is adamant that anyone that chooses the cup over Champions League qualification is wrong/an idiot, whilst I'm of the view that it really depends on the club and how recently they've won a competition. So my guess was that Spurs and Liverpool fans might prefer winning the FA Cup this season, whilst Arsenal would prefer CL qualification since they pretty much own the FA Cup these days. Thoughts? I think either view is valid really and I can see all fan bases being split.

Pretty much what you wrote. We've won one trophy in a million years and I'd much rather see us win the FA Cup than finish in the top four.

 

[Stevencc]

Well, I've got news for you.

You've already been dumped out of the FA Cup.

 

[Pagnell]

I'd sooner win the FA Cup than finish top 4.*

*on the proviso that we also win the Champions League.

 

[epic73]

Arsenal could win our 16/17 treble of crap.

 

[Pagnell]

If Spurs lose tonight and we pick up the points on Sunday against them there will be an 8 point gap between 4th and 5th. A big 'if' of course.

 

[Stevencc]

If Spurs lose tonight and we pick up the points on Sunday against them there will be an 8 point gap between 4th and 5th. A big 'if' of course.

Are you cheering for United tonight, mate?

 

[Pagnell]

Yyyyy.......yyyyyy....yyyeee......

No, sorry. I can't do it.

Come on Spurs!

 

[£50mPoundSterling]

Brilliant nights football all round. Simply wonderful.

 

[SALTIRE]

Certainly a few surprises. A Newcastle win would've topped it off, but we can't have it all.

 

[Pagnell]

Watford to do a Bournemouth on Chelsea tomorrow.

 

[mistermagic]

Reckon Arsenal can say goodbye to a top 4 finish if they lose the derby on Saturday. Then again, Chelsea are doing so poorly that I wouldn't put a West Brom at Stamford Bridge past them.

Newcastle v Utd & Southampton v Liverpool look quite straightforward. Then again, not that much. This is shaping up quite nicely. I just with Utd didn't have as many points as they have. They really don't deserve to have that many points on the table.

 

[mistermagic]

Just gonna throw a bit of info in there as I've been reviewing everyone's run-in:
-After hosting West Brom, Chelsea play away to both Manchesters back-to-back. Lose this and they may be out of the top 4 and Conte may well be out of a job.
-After the derby on Saturday, Arsenal host City. Lose both and the season may well be as good as over. Or will it be?

On another topic, have Utd already sealed the runners-up spot? I know 5 points ain't much but no one else is putting a run of straight wins.

 

[epic73]

On another topic, have Utd already sealed the runners-up spot?

No, but I think we have top 4 secured.

 

[Mr. Scruff]

. I just with Utd didn't have as many points as they have. They really don't deserve to have that many points on the table.

bollocks

 

[mistermagic]

bollocks

I thought my comment warranted a more thoughtful and analytical reply. Apparently I was wrong.

 

[Mr. Scruff]

I thought my comment warranted a more thoughtful and analytical reply. Apparently I was wrong.

It didnt and you were.

 

[Pagnell]

United are a strange one this season. They sit 2nd in the table but haven't left any sort of impression. Thanks to Mourinho and the style of play he impliments they pick up the points (so deserve them) but they're pretty much instantly forgettable. Perhaps that's what MM was referring to.

 

[Stevencc]

Solidity and defensive strength aren't en vogue these days. United games are probably forgettable for the neutral/non-United fan because our defence do their job, our keeper is world class and, admittedly, our attack doesn't always set the world alight.

Liverpool games, to choose a totally random example, are usually pretty memorable because, while they do score a lot of goals and have exciting attacking players, their defence and keeper provide just as much entertainment for the neutral in a slightly different manner. You are guaranteed entertainment at both ends.

I prefer the former as a fan, the latter as a neutral.

 

[SALTIRE]

Solidity and defensive strength aren't en vogue these days. United games are probably forgettable for the neutral/non-United fan because our defence do their job, our keeper is world class and, admittedly, our attack doesn't always set the world alight.

Liverpool games, to choose a totally random example, are usually pretty memorable because, while they do score a lot of goals and have exciting attacking players, their defence and keeper provide just as much entertainment for the neutral in a slightly different manner. You are guaranteed entertainment at both ends.

I prefer the former as a fan, the latter as a neutral.

Indeed, I love the excitement when we are playing well, but when you know a meltdown is away to occur it does nothing for my blood pressure (and I'm not joking having just seen the doctor this morning!).