Premier League 2012-2013

[Bamboo Grove]

Despite the match ending goalless it was a good one. Not many clear chanches to score but entertaining anyway. In my own calculations before the Swansea match, I thought that we can draw against Everton and ManU and still finish above Chelskea and Spuds. In these calculations of mine I have Spuds to draw with Citeh and Chelskea and winning the rest and Chelskea drawing with Liverpool, ManU, Everton and Spuds and winning the rest. That way we'd end up in 73 points, Spuds in 72 and Chelskea in 71.

Then again, if you look at my IKTS success this season, who am I to predict anything at all. I've had the Arsenal calculations correct so far, though.

[PeteC]

It appears Caller picked a good match to attend. I hope he survived sitting amongst the Fulham fans. Pete

[caller]

Pete, I had a great time!

A good friend and colleague and her whole family are lifelong Fulham fans and season ticket holders and they are the loveliest people. Its not the first time I have sat with them, but sometimes I wish they weren't so nice so I could enjoy it more!

The first time I did so was either a league cup or FA cup game a few years back and we won 2-1, with Lamps getting both goals.

But the whole Chelsea / Fulham thing is a bit ying and yang! For a start, when Stamford Bridge was first created in the late 18th century as an athletics track it was offered to Fulham to use for footie, but they were so settled in their current historic home, with its wonderful surviving and listed Archibald Leitch stand, where we were sat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archibald_Leitch,) that they refused the offer, so the Mears familly who owned the Bridge decided to start their own club and to differentiate it to Fulham, although at the eastern extremity of Fulham, they called the club Chelsea, hence the legend was born and it didn't take long to eclipse our neighbours.

When a kid, I used to go to Chelsea every other week (things were so much simpler then) and sometimes on alternate weeks, or when bored, or when a good game seemed likely, with a mate, I used to visit my great uncle who lived in Langthorne Street in Fulham, which is almost opposite Craven Cottage, have a cup of tea and then as the 2nd half started and just as they opened the gates for folk to leave, we'd walk in and see the 2nd half for gratis! Lots did that.

If I was a footy fan with no alliegance and wanted to see top level footy in London, I'd go to Fulham, its relaxed, a great place to watch the game and never any trouble. Nice area, surroundings, pubs, coffeee shops and food places and for a fraction of what other clubs charge.

As long as they remember their place!

[BaaBaa.]

Did you give the manager a standing ovation?

[BaaBaa.]

PFA Player of the Year award shortlist- Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale, Robin van Persie, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata & Michael Carrick.

[BaaBaa.]

Surprised Hazard is in there, great player like.

Michu, Zabaleta, Baines and possibly Fellaini will be disappointed, Carzola in flashes.

[caller]

Agree about Hazard, but Mata's assist ratio is astonishing.

I think Hazard will be huge next season after his 1st season here. He has that very low centre of gravity, coupled with a natural body strength, that enables him to twist and turn and keep his balance when 'rolling' over and past defenders. I am in no way making a comparison, that would be silly, but that's one of the natural traits that Messi has. You see it and notice it more when watching live and he sure uses it to his advantage.

[BaaBaa.]

Yeah, Mata's stats are frightening, Mata, Suarez, Bale and Van Persie was nailed on.

[JimmyGreaves]

My first place goes to Suarez. The improvement in Bale's game has been immense but think he will be pipped by the Liverpool man, deservedly so.

This weekend will be interesting with regards to CL places pressure:

Fulham v Arsenal - Draw or Fulham Win

Liverpool v Chelsea - Liverpool Win

Spurs v Man City - City Win

[caller]

I wouldn't be surprised if all the 'big' London teams lost.

[dtaai-maai]

^^What, you think Chelsea could win? You must be joking!

[BaaBaa.]

My first place goes to Suarez. The improvement in Bale's game has been immense but think he will be pipped by the Liverpool man, deservedly so.

I honestly think don't think Suarez will win it, purely because he's the Premier League panto villain and bogey man.

I can see Bale winning it, he's the new media darling and obviously a great player.

I'd go 1:Suarez 2:Bale 3:Mata

I prefer Mata as a player over Bale but Bales performances are more eyecatching/highlight reel.

[Bamboo Grove]

JG wrote

Fulham v Arsenal - Draw or Fulham Win

caller wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised if all the 'big' London teams lost.

So far so good.

[caller]

I meant Fulham!!!

(honest)!

[dtaai-maai]

Just came across this on the BBC site. Not very encouraging for Spurs fans, but fairly accurate, and I couldn't help chuckling to myself.

As City have found some form, so Spurs have stuttered. One win in seven games has put them out of Europe and out of the top four. Tottenham have found many and varied ways of failing to qualify for the Champions League over the last few years, and yet again their entry into that competition looks about as cut and dried as an Emmanuel Adebayor penalty kick.

Spurs might be only two or three really top players away from being amongst the best sides in Europe. Their problem is that if they don't qualify for the Champions League they may be going into next season just four or five really top players away from being amongst the best sides in Europe.

Important as a win today is, it's not yet crucial - I still think we have a substantially easier run-in than Chelsea.
It would also help if Arsenal got the results to go with their performances!