A Special Day for "The Special One?"
posted by The Blue Devil @ 8:24 AM
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Sunday, May 03, 2015
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Contributors
Previous Posts
- The Battle at the Bottom
- Happy 9th Birthday, LOB!
- Anyone Else Following the Matches This Afternoon?
- Footie Trivia of the Week!
- A Top Rate Sunday
- The Start to Another Big Weekend
- Celebrating Silhouettes
- If it's Thursday...it must be The Europa League!
- If It's Tuesday...it must be The Champions League!
- Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 32 Update
273 Comments:
Teams in the tunnel at the Bridge now:
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Drogba. Subs: Cech, Luis, Zouma, Mikel, Remy, Cuadrado, Loftus-Cheek.
Crystal Palace: Speroni; Mariappa, Delaney, Dann, Ward; McArthur, Ledley, Mutch; Puncheon, Bolasie, Zaha. Subs: Hangeland, Sanogo, Hennessey, Jedinak, Murray, Lee, Kelly.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)
Good morning, Bob . I think it will be.
There has been a lot of chatter about how boring the presumptive champions have been this season. Will those comments sting these players into proving their worth today?
It's in the second half of the League One matches as promotion and relegation issues will be settled.
They're off from SB.
Bristol Rovers are one up vs Forest Green Rovers and two up on agg in a Conference playoff semi
Fab crosses for Drogba and Speroni grabs the ball off his head.
Morning, MUR - I'm back with a piping hot cuppa to enjoy this one. Beautiful day at the Bridge by the look of it.
Fab is fouled just outside the box.
Same here. Chelsea look in the mood.
Bristol City have already been promoted. Sadly MK Dons are streaking away to the second spot, with a 4-1 lead against Yeovil Town.
As things stand in League One, The Fake Dons would pip Evil Preston for second place and Preston would be forced into the playoffs. The Fake Dons are 4-1 up vs Already relegated Yeovil while Preston are being held 0-0 at Colchester, fighting to avoid relegation to League 2.
At the bottom, Yeovil have already been consigned to L2. It's looking like they'll be joined by Colchester and Leyton Orient. Coventry are currently hanging on to their L1 lives, but if Crewe can turn around their 0-1 scoreline with Bradford, it could be curtains for the Sky Blues.
The tricky Zaha wins a corner
Brilliant minds think alike.
A poor corner by Puncheon is cleared by Willian
Absolutely , mate.
I read that there is a rumor that JFH may be the next Leeds manager.I'm sure you would approve of that
What did you think about Eden Hazard as the PFA Player of the Year?
A seven-goal thriller at Bristol City today - 5-2 there.
A nice spell for Palace . Jose will not be pleased.
I had heard that, too. I'd love to have Jimmy back at the Elland. However, former Leeds legends have a poor record as managers for us (e.g., Allan Clarke, Eddie Gray, Billy Bremner).
WOW!!! It was Desmond there just ten minutes ago. Why would he want to leave that match?
I think JFH has a better track record as manager than those legends. I think it would be a different situation.
6-2 Bristol City - it must be carnival time down in the West Country today.
Make it 6-2 in the match at Ashton Gate. Bristol City are ending the season as champions in style.
Yes - you're absolutely right. JFH has all of his badges. I'd love to see a completely new regime. Hopefully JFH has some European connections that can bring in some new affordable talent as well.
A Chelsea counter resulted in a corner that came to nothing
Hazard, the most fouled player in the Premiership, gets chopped once again. Free kick Chelski.
A training pitch routine with Matic and Fabregas comes to nothing.
Now Chelsea have a free kick and a training ground routine doesn't quite come off.
Jamie Vardy may be close to those two after being targeted by some Evil Toon players yesterday
Coventry have leveled it! Crawley Town are now down into the bottom four and the Sky Blues are well out of trouble.
Coventry tie it up at Crawley. The Sky Blues will be safe if they hold on and I think that would relegate Crawley.
Arlo mentioned Raheem Sterling as the second most fouled. That makes sense that quick, tricky front men would draw a lot of fouls.
Colchester are doing well to hold PNE 0-0 , but I think the Essex club need a win and some other results to go their way to stay up.
How about my cheeky comment about Jamie Vardy. It disgusts me that Toon players would intentionally injure a fellow pro just to get sent off. What cowards!
A few handbag swings between Ivanovic and Mutch there. Kevin Friend is preaching friendship.
Not Mutch Ado as Ivanovic and Jordan Mutch get a Friendly lecture.
BOOM BOOM!
I know what you mean. There is still a lot of chatter after John Carver's comments about the Williamson red card yesterday. No comment about Janmaat apparently.
MK Dons now 5-1 up against lowly Yeovil.
Sixth placed Chesterfield tie it up at the fifth placed Blades in a local Derby.
Which will mean nothing if PNE manage a win in Essex.
Any concerns about Spurs pipping United to that last CL spot? Or is your mind fixed on the threat from Liverpool?
Scott Dann deservedly booked for an unfriendly foul on Cuadrado.
Oh - Speroni missed his punch there and allowed Matic to swing around the back and try to beat him at the near post.
Speroni punches the free kick backwards then recovers to push out a near post from Matic then catches a header from a corner under pressure.
The relegation battle is really complicated, so I will check, but I think Colchester and Crawley are looking to join Yeovil. Never mind Colchester take a surprise lead vs PNE . Fake Don fans must be going bonkers.
Speroni drops a swerving free kick from Drogba then it's cleared away
Palace are giving Chelski a decent match here. No pushovers.
Big claim from Palace for a handball against JT. Not intentional.
Really tight at the bottom. I have Colchester and the Orient Express going down even though both are winning against playoff bound teams. Crawley definitely down. Sorry Crewe is heading down instead of Colchester because the Essex team has a far superior goal difference. Crewe losing 0-1 to the Bantams.
Pardew handed Jose his first defeat of the season. would he have an unusual double with two different teams?
Bristol City now leading 7-2. It will be party time in Bristol with City heading up as Champions in style and Rovers heading to the Conference Playoff Final at Wembley
So, I have the Orient Express , Crawley ,and Crewe going down with Yeovil unless results change late on
7-2 Bristol City! It's party time at Ashton Gate!
It's Leyton Orient rather than Crewe in that last spot now. Crewe doing nothing to help themselves though. Still losing 0-1 to Bradford at home.
The Fake Dons would go up with Bristol City. The playoffs are : PNE vs Chesterfield and the Evil Blades vs Swindon.
And with Bristol Rovers too if they hold on vs Forest Green.
THEY'RE GOING TO WEMBUHLAY!
Goal at Crawley - to Coventry! That will just about doom the home side and allow safety for Coventry.
Coventry go 1-2 up at Crawley. If there was any doubt, the Sky Blues are now safe and Crawley are definitely down
Notts County have conceded a second goal at Gillingham and things are looking fairly grim. Colchester now well out of trouble.
Swindon make it Desmond vs the Orient Express, who are basically down
Fabregas curls in a free kick but the Palace defenders have been very good at clearing those out today. And now JT is in a bit of trouble. Yellow.
Ten goals at Aston Gate - 8-2!
Now Notts County trail 3-1 and they are down with Crawley and the Orient Express. Crewe will be very relieved as they will stay up.
Gillingham have scored a third goal and Notts County are just about dead and buried.
It's over at Ashton Gate. it finished 8-2 and eight was more than enough
I reckon that the Nottingham clubs should be prime real estate for any investor who wants to come in and spread some cash around. It's a big city with a good footballing tradition. No reason why they should have two sides that are better.
Correct . Notts County will be devastated as they were leading late and fell apart , conceding those three late goals
Boom, boom, MUR. Definitely enough.
Colchester have defeated EVil pNE 1-0 , resigning them to the playoffs and the Essex club have survived.
Cheers mate. It sure was for Barca yesterday, but far too much for relegated Cordoba.
Coventry won 1-2 at Crawley and stay up, but Crawley go down, joining Notts County and what appears to be the Orient Express.
A penalty to Chelski right at the end of the half. Hazard of course is the victim, who became a sandwich in between McArthur.
PENALTY CHELSEA AS MACARTHUR TRIPS HAZARD IN THE BOX. IT LOOKED OBVIOUS AT FIRST , BUT THE REPLAY SHOWED MINIMAL CONTACT
Hazard to take....saved by Speroni right down the middle, but he nods home the rebound!
1-0 Chelski.
GOAL !!! CHELSEA TAKE THE LEAD A MINUTE BEFORE HALFTIME. A POOR PENALTY WAS SAVED BY SPERONI , BUT CAME BACK TO HAZARD , WHO HEAED IN HIS OWN REBOUND.
Lucky boy but the eventual finish was great.
Two minutes of stoppage time.
Two minutes of stoppage time to come now.
It finished Desmond between Swindon and the Orient Express. The East London team goes down with Yeovil, Notts County, and Crawley
It's all over in L1.
Bristol City and MK Dons are going up automatically. PNE, Swindon, The Evil Blades and Chesterfield are in the playoffs for promotion and Notts County, Crawley, Orient and Yeovil are down.
Coventry, Colchester and Crewe have survived a big escape.
Mariappa is booked for a foul on who? It was Hazard.
Chelsea are one up at the half and 45 minutes away from clinching a Prem title.
The playoffs will be Evil Preston vs Chesterfield and Swindon vs the Evil Blades.
Bristol Rovers are one up on vs Forest green Rovers and two up on agg with about fifteen minutes remaining.
Bristol Rovers are now two up and three up on agg in stoppage time.
The second half is underway and Jose is shutting up shop really early as Obi wan is on for Cuadrado.
A really early change as well as May the 4th is not until tomorrow, but Jose says why wait.
Back for the second half with a yummy everything bagel and a second cuppa.
It's over and Bristol Rovers have dfeated Forest Green Rovers 2-0 and 3-0 on agg. They're off to Wembley as they aim to make an immediate return to the Football League. They will face either Grimsby or Eastleigh , who play later this morning.
Welcome back, mate. Jose is shutting up shop already as Obi wan came on for Cuadrado. A day too early as May the 4th Day is not until tomorrow.
That change of Obi Wan for Cuadrado says everything about what is unloved about this Mourinho Chelski side. I understand the need for knowing your best side, but I don't know why Jose has to play the same side in every match, regardless of the opposition. How is that being a strategic manager.
He's strategic, but in a one dimensional, tunnel vision way.
The EA Derby will be on really early the next two Saturdays . So much for sleeping in late. That won't happen until Memorial Day weekend.
Chelsea throwing caution to the wind as Obi Wan bravely attacks, but his tame effort is straight to Speroni.
Well, I don't think it's too much to ask for "The Special One" to plan different strategies for different matches. For the lesser opponents at the bottom end of the table, Chelski could probably play a back three (perhaps Cahill, JT and Ivanovic) and wing halves rather than fullbacks bombing up the wings the way that Zabaleta does for Citeh and then forgo the need for a defensive middle and go forward in numbers through the mid-field.
A double switcheroo for Palace as Martin Kelly is on for Adrian Mariappa. That's like for like.Glen Murray is on for Jordan Mutch, who wasn't much of an attacking threat, but worked for the team. The hope is that Murray will be.
He's set in his ways and doesn't see any light outside the tunnel.
And unfortunately he gets rewarded for his efforts with trophies wherever he goes.
a pass from Fab goes through the box then a cross from Obi wan is headed out for a corner.
Speroni catches the corner.
Is he a Star Wars fan celebrating May the 4th Day?
This is Jose's favorite score and his team is doing what he says is the easiest thing to do in football.
Perhaps he is.
Palace don't seem to have the ambition to pull this one back.
Perhaps he and George Graham are long lost siblings?
They have nothing to play for , so I guess I understand that
Nice break through Willian and Drogba but it was eventually broken up by the resolute Palace defense.
It could be . Perhaps in a previous life.
OH!!!Nearly 1-1 as Jason nearly Puncheoned in an equalizer as his shot came off the outside of the post after a long ball was headed down
Are you up for some early footie the next two Saturdays.
Puncheon lashes one just wide of the post and then trudges off to be replaced.
Sir No Goal is on for Puncheon. Does Pardew expect an equalizer? Jose must be pleased.
Despite the defensive change, Chelsea have not been sitting back. It's been a decent second half.
Nice football from Palace, but the slide rule pace from Zaha was just too long for Sir No Goal.
Willian wins a free kick off of MacArthur, who conceded the penalty late in the first half.
A poor free kick from willian deflects off of Sir No Goal's head, but Chelsea continue and Joe ward blocks a shot from Cahill then Ivanovic shoots high and wide.
Nice run and pass from Willian , but Drogba shot wide. It was the cleanest strike.
Courtois blocks from Zaha for a corner after Sir No Goal headed on a cross from Bolassie.
The corner is cleared and Chelsea counter. Willan shoots just wide from the D
To their credit, the Blues are going for that second goal that would add luster to their title match.
Bolassie shoots high and wide off a solo run.
Agreed. I credit Palace for being professional despite their season being settled.
Jose shuts up shop as he wants to zooma to the title . Kurt Zouma is on for Willian the Brazillian.
Willian coming off to an ovation - not sure why - he hasn't done much today. Zouma coming on - yet another defensive middle. Blimey - I think they have four on now!
Arlo mentions Palace and the Europa League. That's the last thing Pardew wants.
Isn't Zouma a cenbtral defender? I think it's five at the back and two defensive middies. I think Willain was applauded for his work rate he can't be faulted for that. He did his job.
Matic heads out a long free kick from Joe Ward for a corner.
A late chance for Palace to equalize and spoil the party.
And another corner.
Cahill heads out the corner from Bolassie.. Zaha wins a corner off of Zouma.
The next corner is cleared.
And another corner - Chelski really under the cosh now. I'd love to see a late goal go in.
Courtois claims the ball and will waste some time now.
JT heads out for another Palace corner, The corner from Bolassie is headed on and gathered by Courtois. Only two minutes of stoppage time. Why so little?
Two minutes of stoppage time now for Chelski to survive and claim their fourth title under Mourinho.
That would be nice. It may be three minutes due to the stoppage.
Oscar and Costa celebrating on the bench. They've both been a big part of this title.
More time wasting as Felipe Luis is on for Hazard .
And more time wasting shenanigans from Jose, replacing Hazard with Felipe Luis. Five defensive midfielders on now!
Pardew congratulates Jose. Great sportsmanship.
I don't think Palace are bothered by the time wasting
That's it - Chelski are champions but will anyone outside West London celebrate this title?
It's over and Chelsea are Premier League Champions as they defeat Palace 1-0.
Roman's loving it. He wanted more attacking football. Well, he hasn't gotten that, but he has got another title in the trophy cabinet at SB.
And cue the Freddie Mercury.....
Chelsea players are celebrating and Queen's "We Are the Champions" is being played.
I guess it's fitting that Hazard , who was their best player this season, won the penalty and scored the decisive goal.
I've just posted a thread about Chelski as champions on FB, if you care to post a comment.
Here are the teams for the late one today:
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Mason; Lamela, Eriksen, Chadli; Kane.
Subs: Chiriches, Paulinho, Soldado, Adebayor, Yedlin, Vorm, Stambouli.
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernando, Fernandinho; Milner, Lampard, Silva; Agüero.
Subs: Sagna, Nasri, Dzeko, Caballero, Bony, Clichy, Boyata.
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)
It's the match-up of the two rivals for Golden Boot this season - Sergio Aguero (21 goals) and Harry Kane (20 goals).
These two sides are entertainers and I certainly hope we get some after that bore-fest from Chelski.
Oh - Chadli was away and should have been able to find Lamella in the middle Cut out well by Kolarov.
Oh - Dier had a free header there, but put it wide. What a let off for Citeh!
Oh - Kane looked like he was away after Mangella bobbled it but he was ruled offside.
Oh - another chance for Kane - wide of the mark!
Spurs could be a couple up already. Citeh all over the place!
Back for the late match at SFL and the Spuds appear to be dominating as Harry Kane shoots just wide. The announcer said that's their third chance.
I will comment on your FB post. In a way I'm glad it's done and dusted , so we don't have to keep asking the question.
I'm sure you would be better off with Harry Kane as GBB than Aguero.
It's 0-0 between Grimsby and Eastleigh in the other Conference playoff semi. Grimsby won the first leg 1-2 in Hampshire in midweek.
Grimsby have taken the lead vs Eastleigh and now lead 3-1 on agg. The final at wembley is looking like a match between two former Football League clubs/.
I'd much prefer that from an England perspective.
Have I jinxed this match? Not much doing since that last chance.
How does it affect the PPP race?
All the early running has been done by Spurs.
No touches for Aguero, according to Clive Allen. Bob will be pleased.
Two South American managers are pitting their wits against each other.
The main thing is that it nicks six points off me. Unless Sevilla win the Europa, I don't think I have a hope of coming back. STRose (Matt Nocito) will claim the Shield.
Citeh haven't done much running since that loss at Turf Moor.
Wow - full volley from Aguera. If that had fizzed in the top corner, it might have been a goal of the season contender.
Sevilla have toughie vs Fiorentina. It's my only hope of finishing in a mid table position plus the Canaries winning the playoffs will help.
Great ball through by Zaba to Milner who's cross was cut out.
And now Lamps tries his chances.
Well over by Lampard
It was definitely spectacular by Auguero.
well wide by Harry Kane.
I don't think any result in this match really helps United , but I think a win by the Spuds is the lesser of the evils. They would be four points behind with a far inferior goal difference.
It's likely to be a tough road for Sevilla, as they have Fiorentina in the semis and then likely Napoli in the Final, if they get past them. I'm not counting the points yet. I think it's more likely that the Shield is going to be traveling out to the eastern side of upstate NY.
Grimsby now go two up and 4-1 ahead on agg. They look set to face Bristol Rovers at Wembuhlay.
A great chance for Harry Kane , who shoots over with an outstretched leg, but looked offside.
I think you picked Bayern, so they may get you points. I think it may not be decided until June 6th. either you or Kate will be pleased.
Kane doesn't seem to have his shooting boots on today.
Grimsby are two up and 4-1 ahead on agg. They're 45 minutes from a date at Wembuhlay.
I picked Bayern for the Bundesliga but Real Madrid for the CL. Most of the PPPers did, though, so that's not going to be a benefit.
He left them in Hertfordshire?
They knocked out my pick, Athletico, by a narrow margin.
Aguero's gone over under Fazio's challenge! No penalty. No contact. Probably should have got a yellow for simulation.
Surely that was a penalty and a red card as there was an Argie tangle . Perhaps not, but Lloris will be relieved that the bizarre slip did not cost his team
I disagree. That was not enough contact to merit a penalty. The booking for simulation is probably the right decision.
so far, we've only seen a penalty , which was from a player , who has been a hazard to opposing defenders
I know - I'm officially goal starved today. We should have been watching the match from Ashton Gate!
you may not want to hear this , but your two euro picks faced each other and may be tired coming into their CL and EL fixtures as Real won a tough one 2-3 in Sevilla yesterday
Agreed. Either that or several others in L1.
Bloody hell - Sergio Aguero has scored his 22nd goal of the season.
0-1 Citeh!
BUGGER!!! AGUERO GIVES CITEH THE LEAD, BEATING LLORIS TOO EASILY AT THE NEAR POST.
Killer finish by Aguero there inside Lloris' near post.
Now it's a free header for Fazio! Another big miss!
The Spuds wanted a pen, but a great tackle by Di Michelis for a corner. The second consecutive great corner where a goal wasn't scored due to poor heading
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