Revenge of the Pub Team?

[Lamps]

It had to happen didn't it.

This is end game for the sports forum.

There will be blood and no country for old men all wrapped up in one.

Get on your horses now.

United will trounce these donkeys, Italian soccer is finished. FINISHED

[xvis]

Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni said: "We want revenge.

"The trip to Old Trafford last season was a nightmare. But this year we are different, we have more experience, we are much improved."

He added: "In the past month we have won a lot of games, including the two ties against Madrid.

"We have more confidence, more experience and we are mentally stronger."

[TOMÁS]

It had to happen didn't it.

This is end game for the sports forum.

There will be blood and no country for old men all wrapped up in one.

Get on your horses now.

United will trounce these donkeys, Italian soccer is finished. FINISHED

let's hope not. Let's hope Totti can rise up and trounce those c****.
Come on Roma!

[Lamps]

Totti won't do shit.

Anyone want to take me up on that?

Lot of totti fans here.

[Langer Dan]

United by a brace.

[TOMÁS]

United by a brace.

ya i can just see it, a dodgy penalty or an offisde goal that shouldnt be.
Roma will gain revenge, nah they probably wont..but i want to dream.

[Rebelred]

It had to happen didn't it.

This is end game for the sports forum.

There will be blood and no country for old men all wrapped up in one.

Get on your horses now.

United will trounce these donkeys, Italian soccer is finished. FINISHED

hehehe,

It's gonna be a different tie this time around. the 7-1 was a fluke and Roma played well in the first leg lets not forget, plus they've knocked out Madrid, winning home and away.

I'm going to say United on away goals

[Edmund Blackwater]

, plus they've knocked out Madrid, winning home and away.
Madrid are still recovering from their galactico policy and are a poor european team.
It'll be 3 or 4 years yet before they make an impact in Europe again.

[STEVIEG]

Another top class thread about United and Roma!

I suppose bumoing last years ones would have been embarassing

They have played each other twice since so i don't think the revenge thing is a big deal, but this is gonna be a tough opposition

[xvis]

Madrid are still recovering from their galactico policy and are a poor european team.
It'll be 3 or 4 years yet before they make an impact in Europe again.

:D ..Real Madrid are a poor European team..

There you have it.




..and they were missing their two best players; van Nistelrooy and Sergio Ramos.


It will be a fantastic tie with Roma.

[STEVIEG]

Madrid


a poor european team.


You couldn't make this shit up

[Edmund Blackwater]

:D ..Real Madrid are a poor European team..

There you have it.




..and they were missing their two best players; van Nistelrooy and Sergio Ramos.


It will be a fantastic tie with Roma.
Even manyoo have a favourable recent european record in comparison to them.
manyoo go out to good opposition, the same cannpot be said of Madrid in alot of recent seasons.
Am I wrong?

[KolaKubes]

Even manyoo have a favourable recent european record in comparison to them.
manyoo go out to good opposition, the same cannpot be said of Madrid in alot of recent seasons.
Am I wrong?

3:1 European Cups in modern times Edmund.

[Edmund Blackwater]

3:1 European Cups in modern times Edmund.
Let's say since Ronaldo arrived or when Beckham arrived which showed Madrid to be a joke club.

[xvis]

Even manyoo have a favourable recent european record in comparison to them.
manyoo go out to good opposition, the same cannpot be said of Madrid in alot of recent seasons.
Am I wrong?

Yes.

Madrid have gone out to decent sides in the knockout rounds in recent years..

Monaco in quarters, Juventus after extra time in a game I was at, Arsenal, Bayern Munich (Real always have trouble with German opposition), ..and now Roma.


United went out to Porto, Milan, group exit to Villareal/Benfica, Milan in semi, over the same time.



Similar. ..United to Milan twice, Real to Juve, Arse and Bayern

[STEVIEG]

The team who beats United generally wins or comes close in the Champions League

Edmunds theory can be read both ways

[xvis]

The team who beats United generally wins or comes close in the Champions League

Edmunds theory can be read both ways

Even nearly went for Villareal! ...Riquelme's penalty aside.

[STEVIEG]

Even nearly went for Villareal! ...Riquelme's penalty aside.

and Benfica only narrowly lost to Barca that year too:)

[ho chi feen]

Not too happy with our side of the draw- would be much happier in the side with the other English clubs. Roma won't be as easy as last season, but we should go through. Barca are no great shakes this year, but they're probably the last team we'd want to meet. I can see it already, silly defensive tactics in the away leg, away goals conceded at home...

Liverpool will make it out of their side of the draw. Of that much, I am certain.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Not too happy with our side of the draw- would be much happier in the side with the other English clubs. Roma won't be as easy as last season, but we should go through. Barca are no great shakes this year, but they're probably the last team we'd want to meet. I can see it already, silly defensive tactics in the away leg, away goals conceded at home...

Liverpool will make it out of their side of the draw. Of that much, I am certain.
I don't understand that thinking at all.
You'd prefer to be in the side of the draw with 3 other decent teams than the one with 1 other decent team?
Baffling.

manyoo will do Roma by 2 or 3 goals over the 2 legs.
Barca will be a much toughrer game and if form is anything to go by, manyoo will go out there. But I reckon Barca are weak in the exact areas that manyoo are strong in and manyoo are weak in the areas barca are strong in - it'll be a hell of a game if it comes to pass.

The other side shapes up like a war of attrition. Liverpool have the pedigree, Arsenal have the flair and talent and Chelsea have the dogmatic style to do well. I wouldn't want to be calling a finalist from those 3. But if I had to, my heart would say Arsenal, but my head would say Chelsea or Liverpool.

[xvis]

I don't understand that thinking at all.
You'd prefer to be in the side of the draw with 3 other decent teams than the one with 1 other decent team?
Baffling.

manyoo will do Roma by 2 or 3 goals over the 2 legs.
Barca will be a much toughrer game and if form is anything to go by, manyoo will go out there. But I reckon Barca are weak in the exact areas that manyoo are strong in and manyoo are weak in the areas barca are strong in - it'll be a hell of a game if it comes to pass.

The other side shapes up like a war of attrition. Liverpool have the pedigree, Arsenal have the flair and talent and Chelsea have the dogmatic style to do well. I wouldn't want to be calling a finalist from those 3. But if I had to, my heart would say Arsenal, but my head would say Chelsea or Liverpool.


I'd prefer to be in the side with a few English sides who you are better than, (going by the league last year, and the table this year with game in hand) and Fenerbahce, than facing Roma and Barca.

I'd fancy United against any English side over two games, ..but much less so than a once off game on neutral turf ..see FA cup final last year. ditto Arsenal cup final.


I can see United sitting back in Rome and coming back with a one goal deficit, ..same as last year and the second leg on edge.

Same with a possible semi, ..first leg in Nou Camp, ..Barca rampant, United sitting back and struggling to claw back a goal in the second leg.


Worst draw United could have got for me. ..that why I predicted United to get Roma in the quarter and Barca in the semi. ..Away legs first haven't suited United under Ferguson and they've two ahead.

[ho chi feen]

I don't understand that thinking at all.
You'd prefer to be in the side of the draw with 3 other decent teams than the one with 1 other decent team?
Baffling.

manyoo will do Roma by 2 or 3 goals over the 2 legs.
Barca will be a much toughrer game and if form is anything to go by, manyoo will go out there. But I reckon Barca are weak in the exact areas that manyoo are strong in and manyoo are weak in the areas barca are strong in - it'll be a hell of a game if it comes to pass.

The other side shapes up like a war of attrition. Liverpool have the pedigree, Arsenal have the flair and talent and Chelsea have the dogmatic style to do well. I wouldn't want to be calling a finalist from those 3. But if I had to, my heart would say Arsenal, but my head would say Chelsea or Liverpool.

All that said, it just occurred to me- with the way Barca's season has been going, them beating Schalke is certainly not a foregone conclusion. I'd say there'll be 2 goals between us and Roma, tops. They were incredibly naive at OT last season, and look like they've learned from it. But we'll go through.

The reason I'd like to on the other side of the draw (and we're going to have to beat 2 decent sides on this one, just like the other) is that I would fancy us to beat Liverpool 10 times out of 10, and would strongly fancy us against Chelsea, Arsenal only slightly less so. We could play to our strengths. Barca on the other hand, I can see us adopting this cagey approach that just doesn't work. Our defence is strong anyway, and we have good defensive midfielders, so we should be attacking teams. Trying to keep it tight when you've got players like Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Giggs/Nani isn't just a stupid, it's dangerously stupid.

Liverpool will do Arsenal, because two-legged ties is what Benitez excels at. They'll do Chelsea too, because Chelsea minus Mourinho just aren't a serious team anymore. And if they meet Barca in the final, I'd give them at least a 60% shout. But if we can get through, I wouldn't be worried about any of the other sides, other than Arsenal (who will be out by then, I think)- Barca are the real hurdle for us.

[xvis]

Our defence is strong anyway, and we have good defensive midfielders, so we should be attacking teams. Trying to keep it tight when you've got players like Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Giggs/Nani isn't just a stupid, it's dangerously stupid.


absobloodilutely.

[ho chi feen]

Away legs first haven't suited United under Ferguson and they've two ahead.

Our record with away legs first is truly appalling. In all the Ferguson years, I can think of Roma last season, and Depor in '02 where we've come through. Weak opponents, or good opponents, it's invariably the same old story- keep it tight away, lose 1-0 or scrape a draw- conceded early away goal at OT. Bang.

[xvis]

Our record with away legs first is truly appalling. In all the Ferguson years, I can think of Roma last season, and Depor in '02 where we've come through. Weak opponents, or good opponents, it's invariably the same old story- keep it tight away, lose 1-0 or scrape a draw- conceded early away goal at OT. Bang.

It's quite striking.

And stupid. and yet Ferguson comes out and says he is happy to have the home leg second.

99 was a classic example, ..home legs first every time - the away team come and keep the game tight, ..they sit back playing safety first, and if United play well it can be one or two nil (ala Inter) and the tie is over. At worst there is only one away goal.

It's perverse because United are better equipped to play away from home, ..good at counter-attacking as Edmund can attest, ..and yet they go to Lyon or Monaco or whoever and look to kill the contest from flowing and negate the away goals rule from working in your favour.

If the away leg is second, this takes this decision off United.

[ho chi feen]

It's quite striking.

And stupid. and yet Ferguson comes out and says he is happy to have the home leg second.

99 was a classic example, ..home legs first every time - the away team come and keep the game tight, ..they sit back playing safety first, and if United play well it can be one or two nil (ala Inter) and the tie is over. At worst there is only one away goal.

It's perverse because United are better equipped to play away from home, ..good at counter-attacking as Edmund can attest, ..and yet they go to Lyon or Monaco or whoever and look to kill the contest from flowing and negate the away goals rule from working in your favour.

If the away leg is second, this takes this decision off United.

Yup, Fergie over-thinks things. Doesn't suit him- he's not Benitez.

It's a bit like what I said the other day- the other English sides have cracked Europe since 2003/4. We're still plodding along in the same old vein a lot of the time, tailoring our game, when we'd be better off playing it. In the 90s that made some sense, but not these days. I think Ferguson still has nightmares about the Nou Camp in 1994.

[legend76]

the pub team are 6-4 fav for tonight, surprised by that, seeing as Totti is out, Manyoo are 7-4, poor record in Italy, but I'd say that could change tonight

[afeencalleddan]

the pub team are 6-4 fav for tonight, surprised by that, seeing as Totti is out, Manyoo are 7-4, poor record in Italy, but I'd say that could change tonightI dunno where yer getting those odds ledge biy cos they're wrong. United are favs at around 6/4. Roma are 2/1 and above in most places.

[legend76]

I dunno where yer getting those odds ledge biy cos they're wrong. United are favs at around 6/4. Roma are 2/1 and above in most places.

Ladbrokes on Chatham Street in Dumpland, was surprised by it myself!!! Roma 6/4 draw 9/5 United 7/4

[afeencalleddan]

Ladbrokes on Chatham Street in Dumpland, was surprised by it myself!!! Roma 6/4 draw 9/5 United 7/4I think you read that wrong or there's a mistake there somewhere. Ladbrokes website have United clear favs in-running now at 0-0 after around 25 minutes. I would say that the pre-match odds were

Roma 9/5
Draw 7/4
United 6/4

[Coin]

Roma must in fact be a pub team, since Ronaldo doesn't score in games against big time opponents.

[STEVIEG]

Roma must in fact be a pub team, since Ronaldo doesn't score in games against big time opponents.

Arsenal and AC Milan won't be impressed

[Lamps]

It had to happen didn't it.

This is end game for the sports forum.

There will be blood and no country for old men all wrapped up in one.

Get on your horses now.

United will trounce these donkeys, Italian soccer is finished. FINISHED

Who's the daddy?

Oh yeah. Just like Ibramovich, nothing. NOTHING

What formation do Roma play?
4-6-0?

I thought with Totti out that Roma might have a small chance at home and sneak a draw, but they're as bad as ever. What a joke. United are strolling.

United Barca will be a cracker

[afeencalleddan]

What formation do Roma play?
4-6-0?Yeah, they've been playing that formation for a couple of seasons now.

[scrumpy]

Italian League sucks

[Lamps]

Yeah, they've been playing that formation for a couple of seasons now.

Wait for the SerieA gang to get in now and tell us that Totti is world class and got 68 goals in his last 2 seasons. Just like the tier 2 player Ibrahimovich

Bolton wouldn't be defending the way Roma were for the second goal, it was keystone cops on the piss. Phil Babb would command a place in that backline.

Italian Soccer is on its deathbed, IMO only Mourhino can save it.

[xvis]

handy stuff.

Excellence from Ronaldo, Ferdinand and Evra.


Roma were terrific for the 25 minutes after the break, ..but are as fragile as they are excellent.

United played very well.

[Lamps]

handy stuff.

Excellence from Ronaldo, Ferdinand and Evra.


Roma were terrific for the 25 minutes after the break, ..but are as fragile as they are excellent.

United played very well.

Keep dressing it up. A pub team and no more, the Ardmanning wouldn't be letting in goals like that second one.

Last year a record defeat, what price they capitulate again.

[STEVIEG]

Keep dressing it up. A pub team and no more, the Ardmanning wouldn't be letting in goals like that second one.

Last year a record defeat, what price they capitulate again.

Keep dressing it down

United just need to get through

1-0 would be great next week

There are big games either side of it for the Reds

Haven't you a Wayne Rooney thread to be making apologies to?

[legend76]

I think you read that wrong or there's a mistake there somewhere. Ladbrokes website have United clear favs in-running now at 0-0 after around 25 minutes. I would say that the pre-match odds were

Roma 9/5
Draw 7/4
United 6/4

Sadly I think it was the staff in the Chatham branch who read it wrong, sorry now I didn't take the 7/4 on United. I was seriously shocked when I saw their odds

[Rebelred]

going by the highlights I saw last night, there was a certain pub team-esque look to Barca in the second half, Schalke could have had 3.

[Lamps]

Keep dressing it down

United just need to get through

1-0 would be great next week

There are big games either side of it for the Reds

Haven't you a Wayne Rooney thread to be making apologies to?

Rooney had an excellent game in the first half.

Is he better than Torres, not in a million years. No apology needed.

Its like this, Edmund called a supposedly good team a pub team, they conceded SEVEN. It was the greatest call ever made on a game, it showed most people that he is the top soccer brain on the site.

This year was a shot at redemption for those who bizzarely tried to slate Edmund's miracle call, they crashed and burned again. Roma are a joke team

[STEVIEG]

Rooney had an excellent game in the first half.

Is he better than Torres, not in a million years. No apology needed.

Its like this, Edmund called a supposedly good team a pub team, they conceded SEVEN. It was the greatest call ever made on a game, it showed most people that he is the top soccer brain on the site.

This year was a shot at redemption for those who bizzarely tried to slate Edmund's miracle call, they crashed and burned again. Roma are a joke team

Is he better than Robbie Fowler?

Yes


Your theory doesn't hold up at all

By your theory the only side in Europe better than United are Milan, and it's fairly plain to see that Milan are shit these days and got away with it last year

Roma are better than Milan and better than Madrid

Maybe United just played well?

[dotty]

Rooney had an excellent game in the first half.

Is he better than Torres, not in a million years. No apology needed.

Its like this, Edmund called a supposedly good team a pub team, they conceded SEVEN. It was the greatest call ever made on a game, it showed most people that he is the top soccer brain on the site.

This year was a shot at redemption for those who bizzarely tried to slate Edmund's miracle call, they crashed and burned again. Roma are a joke team

lamps can i ask ya a genuine question,you might have answered it elsewhere i dunno but..how much serie a football do you watch over the course of a season?

[STEVIEG]

lamps can i ask ya a genuine question,you might have answered it elsewhere i dunno but..how much serie a football do you watch over the course of a season?

He watches match of the day, which shows about 7 minutes of football every week

Also most big 4 games and the Champions league plus the odd international

It's fairly obvious he is out of his depth here

Google can give you facts but not opinions

[dotty]

Is he better than Robbie Fowler?

Yes


Your theory doesn't hold up at all

By your theory the only side in Europe better than United are Milan, and it's fairly plain to see that Milan are shit these days and got away with it last year

Roma are better than Milan and better than Madrid

Maybe United just played well?

totti was still a huge loss,vucinic has had a good season but any side would miss totti,good performance though.

[dotty]

He watches match of the day, which shows about 7 minutes of football every week

Also most big 4 games and the Champions league plus the odd international

It's fairly obvious he is out of his depth here

Google can give you facts but not opinions

be fair stevie,genuine ceist.

[STEVIEG]

be fair stevie,genuine ceist.

Believe me, I know

Have you ever seen any of these guys in the Serie A or La Liga threads?

Dunphy and Giles and co help form a lot of opinions around here and it shows

[dotty]

Believe me, I know

Have you ever seen any of these guys in the Serie A or La Liga threads?

Dunphy and Giles and co help form a lot of opinions around here and it shows

:)

the only one on here i know that knows their serie a is ho chi,try to take in at least one game a week myself,dont like relying on highlights.

would certainly argue myself that serie a isnt as strong as it was 5/10 years ago just feel some people on here exaggerate this fact.

[STEVIEG]

:)


would certainly argue myself that serie a isnt as strong as it was 5/10 years ago just feel some people on here exaggerate this fact.

Exactly

It defo isn't as strong

But this whole pub thing argument is limp, especially seeing as it was only put up first day for points scoring purposes in case United lost to Roma last year

Roma are a fine team and though a bit unfortunate last night (played poor and missed Totti) they deserve more respect

Interesting comments here from Spalletti

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/apr1r.html

[Langer Dan]

He watches match of the day, which shows about 7 minutes of football every week

Also most big 4 games and the Champions league plus the odd international

It's fairly obvious he is out of his depth here

Google can give you facts but not opinions

Smalltime here Steve, play the ball.......

[Edmund Blackwater]

Exactly

It defo isn't as strong

But this whole pub thing argument is limp, especially seeing as it was only put up first day for points scoring purposes in case United lost to Roma last year
Incorrect.
If you like, you can check when the comments were made and then you can check when manyoo drew them.
Then you can establish which came first, the comments or manyoo drawing Roma.
I think we both know the chronology.

Anyway, another poor performance from the bestest player in the world (goal aside). very impressed with Rooney last night. His one month a season spurt of good form may just be coming at the right time. Jammy goal, but I think he deserved it.
Much wanking about ferdinand who was stitched up like a kipper a few times by Vucinic and co. Good clearance to stop Mexes scoring though and a few decent blocks. Enough for him to be the bestest defender in the world ever if you had the misfortune to listen to ITV.
Some other good performances came from Evra and Hargreaves of all people when he came on.
Anderson has continued being useless since the game when he won a tackle against Gerrard, thus cementing his status as bestest midfielder in the world ever.

anyway, well played manyoo, good result. Always surprised they don't get more results like this away from home being, as they are, a primarily counter-attacking team.

[STEVIEG]

anyway, well played manyoo, good result. Always surprised they don't get more results like this away from home being, as they are, a primarily counter-attacking team.

Bar Milan, they are on a bit of a run away from home at the moment but you are right

They have been very cagey away, which is probably the right way to go early in the match, but they are defo set up more for Europe now with their counter attacks, though they really only looked comfortable when they reverted to a more traditional system

As for Rio, it's hard to name 4 or 5 better defenders in the World really, judging by his form these last couple of years

I'd challenge anyone to try

[ho chi feen]

:)

the only one on here i know that knows their serie a is ho chi,try to take in at least one game a week myself,dont like relying on highlights.

would certainly argue myself that serie a isnt as strong as it was 5/10 years ago just feel some people on here exaggerate this fact.

It isn't, but it's no coincidence that Italian football has been more successful in the CL this decade than any other nation (followed by Spain, England a distant third). Up until this year, the top sides were holding their own against the best in the continent. A Milan team who were a disgrace domestically still handed United their ass on a plate, and saw Liverpool off without ever having to break a sweat.

The real problem is Serie A is the lack of depth. Lazio were horribly exposed in Europe this year. Juve or Fiorentina would do better. At the end of the day, the likes of Milan, Inter, Juve, and (to a lesser extent, Roma) have the money to improve and/or rebuild and have more financial clout than the Prem's big 4. The skewed TV deal has killed the league though, sent Fiorentina to extinction, and helped ruin once great clubs like Lazio and Parma. The football these days is more exciting, with more goals than the 90s, but that's because there's a shortage of young defensive and goalkeeping talent, so teams can't play for a 1-0 anymore.

[Langer Dan]

This triumphalism amongst the British press and United supporters is over the top.

We've won nothing yet this season .
People need to calm down, theres a lot more football to be played.

[STEVIEG]

Smalltime here Steve, play the ball.......

What are you on about, I know what he watches it's quite apparent

As for smalltime, go and do some searches

Myself and Lamps enjoy cordial relations and he is man enough to take criticism when it is merited

So please, enough of the moral highground

remember who we are talking about here, a self-proclaimed football expert

[Langer Dan]

What are you on about, I know what he watches it's quite apparent

As for smalltime, go and do some searches

Myself and Lamps enjoy cordial relations and he is man enough to take criticism when it is merited

So please, enough of the moral highground

remember who we are talking about here, a self-proclaimed football expert

Lamps is talking bout Roma, you start having a cut off his ability to comment on football, smalltime , and you know it.....

[STEVIEG]

This triumphalism amongst the British press and United supporters is over the top.

We've won nothing yet this season .
People need to calm down, theres a lot more football to be played.

We?

I don't think anyone is implying United have done much yet

As i said last night, you get nothing for big wins at this stage of the comp
and the league is far from over

[Rebelred]

This triumphalism amongst the British press and United supporters is over the top.

We've won nothing yet this season .
People need to calm down, theres a lot more football to be played.

post of the day. I'm waiting anxiously for news on Vidic

[ho chi feen]

This triumphalism amongst the British press and United supporters is over the top.

We've won nothing yet this season .
People need to calm down, theres a lot more football to be played.

Exactly. Didn't we have all this last year, wanking over the prospect of an imminent all-PL final? That didn't exactly work out too well....

[STEVIEG]

Lamps is talking bout Roma, you start having a cut off his ability to comment on football, smalltime , and you know it.....

With Roma

Because he never watches them

His views on them are coloured by the fact that United beat them a few times

And everyone knows it

[Langer Dan]

post of the day. I'm waiting anxiously for news on Vidic

Yep if hes got ligament damage you can safely say all bets are off with Stamford Bridge and Arse at OT.

Could make for a very shaky finish, lets hope its not too serious....

[Langer Dan]

Exactly. Didn't we have all this last year, wanking over the prospect of an imminent all-PL final? That didn't exactly work out too well....

Yep, not showing enough respect for their opponents hasn't worked out too well for English sides in the past.

You'd have to fancy United to progress to the semi's now but Barca wont be lying down for anyone.

Agree with ya bout last year, Shur United's young bucks were going to take Milan to the cleaners.......
A small dose of reality wouldn't go astray, the league is still wide open, what odds on United to end the season trophyless?

[STEVIEG]

Yep, not showing enough respect for their opponents hasn't worked out too well for English sides in the past.

You'd have to fancy United to progress to the semi's now but Barca wont be lying down for anyone.

Agree with ya bout last year, Shur United's young bucks were going to take Milan to the cleaners.......
A small dose of reality wouldn't go astray, the league is still wide open, what odds on United to end the season trophyless?

Again

Up with the quotes and links, for those of us who don't read the Sun

United didn't even play that great last night, i don't see anyone crowing about it here, and i don't read the tabloids?

Even the United v Liverpool final last year, was that really a reality, i don't remember that much talk of it?

Going to san siro with no defense was always gonna be a dangerous prospect

and i certainly don't think United showed them lack of respect

[dotty]

It isn't, but it's no coincidence that Italian football has been more successful in the CL this decade than any other nation (followed by Spain, England a distant third). Up until this year, the top sides were holding their own against the best in the continent. A Milan team who were a disgrace domestically still handed United their ass on a plate, and saw Liverpool off without ever having to break a sweat.

The real problem is Serie A is the lack of depth. Lazio were horribly exposed in Europe this year. Juve or Fiorentina would do better. At the end of the day, the likes of Milan, Inter, Juve, and (to a lesser extent, Roma) have the money to improve and/or rebuild and have more financial clout than the Prem's big 4. The skewed TV deal has killed the league though, sent Fiorentina to extinction, and helped ruin once great clubs like Lazio and Parma. The football these days is more exciting, with more goals than the 90s, but that's because there's a shortage of young defensive and goalkeeping talent, so teams can't play for a 1-0 anymore.

spot on.

shame the troubles that have hit parma the last few years with the parmalat debacle and as you mentioned the tv deal.

the race for promotion is interesting,albinole ffe abú!

[Langer Dan]

Again

Up with the quotes and links, for those of us who don't read the Sun

United didn't even play that great last night, i don't see anyone crowing about it here, and i don't read the tabloids?

Even the United v Liverpool final last year, was that really a reality?

Going to san siro with no defense was always gonna be a dangerous prospect

and i certainly don't think United showed them lack of respect

'Put up quotes', gway and stop acting the gowl, you sound like Naff now...
Youdont read the tabloids, Im delighted for ya, what has that got to do with anything?

gway and have some coffee ya narkist:)

[dotty]

Yep, not showing enough respect for their opponents hasn't worked out too well for English sides in the past.

You'd have to fancy United to progress to the semi's now but Barca wont be lying down for anyone.

Agree with ya bout last year, Shur United's young bucks were going to take Milan to the cleaners.......
A small dose of reality wouldn't go astray, the league is still wide open, what odds on United to end the season trophyless?

if that semi does become a reality,the cl could be the only trophy barca can win despite reals best efforts for that not to be the case.

[STEVIEG]

'Put up quotes', gway and stop acting the gowl, you sound like Naff now...
Youdont read the tabloids, Im delighted for ya, what has that got to do with anything?

gway and have some coffee ya narkist:)

Good point, well made


Go back to the relevant thread and you will see that there is noone getting carried away

Barca and whatever English team United meet in the final will be really tough games, if they can see off Rome

It's pretty obvious

Also, the league is far from won, we saw what happened when a few people called the league as over back in February

There are 6 big games left

[Langer Dan]

Good point, well made


Go back to the relevant thread and you will see that there is noone getting carried away

Barca and whatever English team United meet in the final will be really tough games, if they can see off Rome

It's pretty obvious

Also, the league is far from won, we saw what happened when a few people called the league as over back in February

There are 6 big games left
So we're saying the same thing.

Happy days

[Edmund Blackwater]

Good point, well made


Go back to the relevant thread and you will see that there is noone getting carried away
That Noone lad is some tool all the same.

(I can never get used to seeing that word written down. Always looks like it needs a hyphen)

[STEVIEG]

So we're saying the same thing.

Happy days

Absolutely

[STEVIEG]

That Noone lad is some tool all the same.

(I can never get used to seeing that word written down. Always looks like it needs a hyphen)

aye aye me too

[Edmund Blackwater]

Barca and whatever English team United meet in the final will be really tough games, if they can see off Rome


Could be Schalke and Fenebahce yet. You never know. God might be a manyooer.

[STEVIEG]

Could be Schalke and Fenebahce yet. You never know. God might be a manyooer.

Heh heh heh I wish


For the record, I don't think United will win this comp

I'd be happy with the league if they can squeeze that

While they have a chance in Europe, and it's good to see them developing as a side there, i've suffered too much pain over the years to get my hopes up in what is a cup competition that is very unpredictable

as good as 99 was, 1997 was deeply painful for me to get over, and 2000, and 2002 were other big dissapointments (actually was not too upset last year as i felt they were not good enough overall)

It's good to have a chance though

as for Lamps, apologies if i went over the top, but he'll know what i mean, it's all part of the game:)

[RonnyB]

On last nights game I was pleased to see United finally show the balls to actually pass the ball with a bit of purpose away from home in Europe. Good 1st goal though.

On Ronaldo besides his stupid antics as per norm I thought he played well. Took his goal well & was always a threat. I do though think that the performance last night is as good an away performance we can expect in Europe considering United not playing like they do domestically.

Finding it a bit hard to be upbeat though until I hear about Vidic's injury.

[Lamps]

lamps can i ask ya a genuine question,you might have answered it elsewhere i dunno but..how much serie a football do you watch over the course of a season?

The odd bit of highlights and champions league. No more than that.

Its brutal

[Lamps]

Believe me, I know

Have you ever seen any of these guys in the Serie A or La Liga threads?

Dunphy and Giles and co help form a lot of opinions around here and it shows

I exposed you as having watched little to no Serie A last year.

Out of my depth my bollix :lol!:

[Lamps]

Lamps is talking bout Roma, you start having a cut off his ability to comment on football, smalltime , and you know it.....

It was pretty small time I guess, nice to see you've got my back Fitzy.

You've become a powerful poster, able to see the wheat from the chaff at 40 paces

[Langer Dan]

The odd bit of highlights and champions league. No more than that.

Its brutal

Amazing how these fellas view watching turgid premiershite as some sort of badge of honour.

Id say tis more a testament to their lack of social skills

[dotty]

The odd bit of highlights and champions league. No more than that.

Its brutal

fair enough,as a competitive league its not what it once was.

[Lamps]

Amazing how these fellas view watching turgid premiershite as some sort of badge of honour.

Id say tis more a testament to their lack of social skills

Actually I was on about SerieA, but I'd watch match of the day most weeks and probably watch the live games if they were any good, (last week I turned over to Monaghan Dublin during Grand Slam sunday, flawed individual that I am) I feel its more than enough to be able to "comment" on games. But hey, most of these jokers rate Roma. :lol!: , what do I know?

[Lamps]

fair enough,as a competitive league its not what it once was.

Its shit, end of. It reminds me of the lad who said Neil Fenn is a genius. In a bucket of shit league it may seem that way, but we know better.

[Edmund Blackwater]

On Ronaldo besides his stupid antics as per norm I thought he played well. Took his goal well & was always a threat.
You didn't watch the game did you?
From a manyoo point of view, he did four things last night.
Scored a goal, a very good goal.
Had a shot which Doni pushed onto the post (goalie made it look better than it was imo)
Got a Roma player booked when he dived.
Got a Roma player booked when he went down like a crackwhore at a gangbang, incensing the Roma player who hit the ball with his fist (Mexes?)

That was it. Not a peep out of him apart from that - except for the comedy moment when he forgot to dive having been dispossessed while doing his stupid stepovers.

[RonnyB]

You didn't watch the game did you?
From a manyoo point of view, he did four things last night.
Scored a goal, a very good goal.
Had a shot which Doni pushed onto the post (goalie made it look better than it was imo)
Got a Roma player booked when he dived.
Got a Roma player booked when he went down like a crackwhore at a gangbang, incensing the Roma player who hit the ball with his fist (Mexes?)

That was it. Not a peep out of him apart from that - except for the comedy moment when he forgot to dive having been dispossessed while doing his stupid stepovers.

Also had a shot from a Tevez cross.

Was fouled on numerous occasions when running with the ball helping to relieve pressure on the defence as well as starting United attacks.

Cant realise why the keeper tipping a shot onto the post at full length makes it looks better than it was. It was a shot on target heading right into the bottom corner. Excellent save it was.

[Rebelred]

Actually I was on about SerieA, but I'd watch match of the day most weeks and probably watch the live games if they were any good, (last week I turned over to Monaghan Dublin during Grand Slam sunday, flawed individual that I am) I feel its more than enough to be able to "comment" on games. But hey, most of these jokers rate Roma. :lol!: , what do I know?

speaking of which, Monaghan, Pairc Ui Rinn, Sat night.

[Rebelred]

You didn't watch the game did you?
From a manyoo point of view, he did four things last night.
Scored a goal, a very good goal.
Had a shot which Doni pushed onto the post (goalie made it look better than it was imo)
Got a Roma player booked when he dived.
Got a Roma player booked when he went down like a crackwhore at a gangbang, incensing the Roma player who hit the ball with his fist (Mexes?)

That was it. Not a peep out of him apart from that - except for the comedy moment when he forgot to dive having been dispossessed while doing his stupid stepovers.

he had two 5 minute spells, one after each goal, when he looked like wanted to play football and get on with it. Other than that he spent the night sulking. Very frustrating given how hard the other 9 outfield players were working.

[Lamps]

speaking of which, Monaghan, Pairc Ui Rinn, Sat night.

Should be a good test, looking forward to it. Counihan needs to bite the bullet with one or two lads, they actually need to win this one which makes it better, we need the games to mean something.

Cork to win

[RonnyB]

Should be a good test, looking forward to it. Counihan needs to bite the bullet with one or two lads, they actually need to win this one which makes it better, we need the games to mean something.

Cork to win

Again I'm struggling to make this one but I'm going to do all I can to get there. Better off with Miskella wing abck & O'Brien in I think. also was impressed enough by Gould on Saturday night. Its going to be a good test.

[POL]

They were a fucking pub team and always were, ManYoo apoligists can busllshit all they like, we all know the facts

[Rebelred]

They were a fucking pub team and always were, ManYoo apoligists can busllshit all they like, we all know the facts

he hasn't gone away y'know!

How was Old Trafford for ya? hope you had one of the nice leather seats and got yourself plenty of goodies in the Megawhore :)

[EDDIEB]

They were a fucking pub team and always were, ManYoo apoligists can busllshit all they like, we all know the facts

They give hope to pub teams worldwide.....Rooney & Ronaldo just continueto twist the knife in the SFI.....

[ho chi feen]

They were a fucking pub team and always were, ManYoo apoligists can busllshit all they like, we all know the facts

Which is why you called them to beat United in the quarters last season, eh?

[Lamps]

Which is why you called them to beat United in the quarters last season, eh?

It was Edmund who called them a pub team, I didn't know they were either myself. How right he was.

I'd say you're a touch jealous at Edmund being a better reader of the game than yourself.

Am I right

[Langer Dan]

It was Edmund who called them a pub team, I didn't know they were either myself. How right he was.

I'd say you're a touch jealous at Edmund being a better reader of the game than yourself.

Am I right

The bumslappers are on the ropes here Lamps:lol!:

[POL]

It was Edmund who called them a pub team, I didn't know they were either myself. How right he was.

I'd say you're a touch jealous at Edmund being a better reader of the game than yourself.

Am I right

I'd say you are right Lamps. Edmund has proven himself to be King of Soccer in the SPORTSFORUM.

[STEVIEG]

Only for all the goals and stuff Ronaldo would be fairly crap..............

[STEVIEG]

The bumslappers are on the ropes here Lamps:lol!:

Jesus

You won't have to go to far back to see you banging on about things Manchester United on this very forum

Maybe you have been enlightened!

[xvis]

Interesting comments here from Spalletti

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/apr1r.html

Excellent commentary below from Spalletti, ..the thought occured to me after last nights game that it was a classic catenaccio performance from United.

To my mind the only thing that stopped it being an overall exceptional performance from United was the poor contributions to attack from Park and Anderson, they contributed little to their forward roles, ..Park was involved with the second goal but that was a goalkeeping error rather than his efforts.

Otherwise, I've no complaints whatsoever, ..United tried the usual array of passing triangles from Carrick and Scholes which worked in the opening exchanges but Roma stood back from this almost deliberately and it became a tactical battle for space. United struggled a bit with Roma's deep approach.

..criticism of Roma is bit harsh as if they were playing the majority of the other sides from the last eight they'd have won last night, and were without their top scorer. ..United are in very good form.

***

Spalletti:
“If you look at the result they are certainly of a different class, but if you watch the game then that is not the case,” said Spalletti.
“The only thing I really didn’t like was the way we conceded the second goal and after that the lads lost faith in their own abilities and chances of turning this around.
“In my view, we played the way we had to. We certainly deserved more, especially in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.
“We had some great chances with Christian Panucci and Mirko Vucinic, yet when the cross came in for United they made the most of it. I believe the result is very harsh on Roma.”

“It is United’s work rate and willingness of every player to sacrifice themselves for the defensive movement that makes the difference. They maintain a balance between coming back to defend and leaving space to run forward without getting tired.
“They have great stamina and individual talent, although I must point out tonight they were rather fortunate. The talent is there, but so is the luck!
“I said in the Press Conference yesterday that people always maintain Italian clubs play defensive and on the counter, so in that case Manchester United are the most Italian team I know!

“I’ve seen at least 10 of their games and they always play like this. They sit back, soak up pressure, clam up in midfield – which unfortunately we allowed them to do and play between the lines – and then break forward on the counter.
“We played our game and did what we had do, although obviously the team got depressed when United scored with their first foray into the penalty area.
“We were unlucky on a few occasions and consequently must accept the situation and try to turn it around.”

“Admittedly it’s very difficult, but we must not make the mistake of assuming we are already out. After all, we have scored two goals in places like Lyon and Madrid,” noted Spalletti.
“When United took the lead we tried to push 10 metres further forward and we did put them under pressure, but couldn’t take our chances.
“I was very unhappy with the last 10 minutes, when we were very disconnected and sent out the wrong message. I never want to see that approach again.”

“Francesco felt better today and the sensations 24 hours after the scan are more positive. We have to let time pass and evaluate what happens. We would obviously be happy to have him back for the second leg.”
“Nothing changes, as until we are mathematically eliminated then my team has a duty to keep chasing Inter and United.
“We will try to win every game, although it is not easy. After all, we should have beaten Cagliari last Saturday and didn’t take our chances – as we saw tonight, that really makes a difference."

[afeencalleddan]

sorry now I didn't take the 7/4 on UnitedDon't be. My guess is that they wouldn't have paid out at 7/4. They'd probably have admitted the mistake but paid out at 6/4.

[legend76]

Don't be. My guess is that they wouldn't have paid out at 7/4. They'd probably have admitted the mistake but paid out at 6/4.

could they do that if I'd "taken" the price??

[afeencalleddan]

could they do that if I'd "taken" the price??Yeah and they probably would have. One of the cashiers might have spotted it in the first place anyway and not laid the bet to you.

[Lamps]

Jesus Christ, how bad are Roma, I watched the first hour and United should have been 7 or 8 up, no word of a lie. Should have been 4 up inside the first 10 minutes and this is with half a reserve team out.:crazyeye:

Roma have got to be the worst team I've seen this year in Europe.

[RonnyB]

Jesus Christ, how bad are Roma, I watched the first hour and United should have been 7 or 8 up, no word of a lie. Should have been 4 up inside the first 10 minutes and this is with half a reserve team out.:crazyeye:

Roma have got to be the worst team I've seen this year in Europe.

Thought they were rabbits caught in headlights until they got the penalty. United lost the nerve after that until half time.

Still I cant understand how Guily doesnt start ahead of Taddei.

[Rebelred]

Roma have got to be the worst team I've seen this year in Europe.

Besiktas take that honour hands down.

[RonnyB]

Besiktas take that honour hands down.

Thought Kiev were worse myself.

[Rebelred]

Thought Kiev were worse myself.

close alright, they were awful when we played them away.

[ebenezer]

Besiktas take that honour hands down.

Thought Kiev were worse myself.

I'll go Celtic.

FFS, Neil Lennon was a legend up there.

Forest shafted him. :lol!:

[Lamps]

Besiktas take that honour hands down.

Fair point, but at least they were good value for their win over the Pool at home at least.

Maybe the hammering was a freak game, but Roma on the other hand were mighty lucky not to be spanked for the second time by 7. If the two boys weren't rested it would have happened.

Couldn't believe the gaps they were leaving all over the pitch, an absolutely shocking side

[STEVIEG]

They looked mentally fairly fragile alright Doni did well to keep them ticking over


Pretty routine win all the same

[Rebelred]

Fair point, but at least they were good value for their win over the Pool at home at least.

Maybe the hammering was a freak game, but Roma on the other hand were mighty lucky not to be spanked for the second time by 7. If the two boys weren't rested it would have happened.

Couldn't believe the gaps they were leaving all over the pitch, an absolutely shocking side

the biggest flaw to their system that I can see is it's all about Totti. When he's out, plan B is non existant.

[ebenezer]

As I see it, Manchest United virtually had a bye into the next round due to the absence of the wonderful Totti.

[STEVIEG]

Totti was there in the 7-1

It wouldn't have made a big difference

United were better and even in second gear looked stronger in most departments


Roma can now concentrate on maybe winning the league, where incidentally, the mighty Milan, are still fighting for 4th

[ebenezer]

Totti was there in the 7-1

It wouldn't have made a big difference

United were better and even in second gear looked stronger in most departments


Roma can now concentrate on maybe winning the league, where incidentally, the mighty Milan, are still fighting for 4th

:lol!: :lol!: :lol!:

Totti would have bombed United out, and you bloody know it.

[STEVIEG]

:lol!: :lol!: :lol!:

Totti would have bombed United out, and you bloody know it.

I know you are joking

Roma have beaten United once in 6 games over the last year, and in that game United had ten men for most of it

Uniteds reserves outplayed them in Rome last year and a weak team should have mauled them last night

The Milan thing was whooshtastic