Andy Gray worlds greatest pundit.......NOT

[Ryan]

He's spot-on.

Unless we get another goalscorer, we won't challenge Chelsea.

[Redspin]

'Jose's Right About Toothless Reds'
Posted 04/08/06 09:55

A lot of the bookies might have Liverpool as the favourites to get closest to Chelsea this season, but I just don't see that at all. I agree with Jose, it's Manchester United and Arsenal who pose the biggest threat, and although Liverpool might move closer, I think they're still playing catch-up.

They've proved they're a difficult team to beat but they draw too many games to be a threat over a Premiership season - they've yet to find the perfect combination between tightness at the back and the attacking verve to break down defences. Maybe they'll find that this season, but I fear it may take a little longer.

Rafa Benitez has addressed the major problems from last season - the lack of a genuine right-sided midfielder who would look to get crosses in the box rather than always look inside, and a striker who can stretch defences.

They have filled those gaps with Jermaine Pennant and Craig Bellamy, two players who arrive with reputations for off-field problems. But they would have to be stark-raving bonkers to mess up this chance at a fantastic club, and I would be amazed if they do. They might arrive with question marks over their characters, but Liverpool fans are football fans and they will judge them on what they do on the pitch.

They have been handed a brilliant opportunity at a fantastic club and they would be stupid to do anything to jeopardise that. They have the chance to earn themselves utter adulation from the Kop if they perform, and if they help Liverpool to challenge for the title again, they will become legends amongst those fans. What fool would mess that up?

But for me, they will struggle to get anywhere near Chelsea, because you just wonder where the goals are going to come from in that team. Peter Crouch has a lot to prove at this level, Robbie Fowler has obviously seen better days and Craig Bellamy's 13 goals in the Premiership last season was his best-ever haul.

It's a rare title-challenging side that doesn't have a 20-goal player, and for Liverpool to expect Steven Gerrard to be that player is a little optimistic I think. He looked jaded this summer and I just can't see him having that sort of season again.

No, I'd have to say that United in particular are still ahead of them, especially with the signing of Michael Carrick, the potential arrival of Marcos Senna and the return of Paul Scholes to strengthen the centre of midfield. That had to be the number-one priority this summer, and I think if the business ends there, Sir Alex will be happy to shut the wallet and wait until January.

The only player he's lost is Ruud van Nistelrooy, and if that keeps Cristiano Ronaldo at the club, Sir Alex will be happy. Anyone who thought he would get rid of that kid is barking mad, you don't sell one of the best five young players in Europe.

As it is, they're a striker down, but they do have Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Guiseppe Rossi and Alan Smith, who knows how to finish. If they could get in somebody with experience who didn't cost the earth, then fair enough, but I don't think United fans should be too perturbed about starting the season with the current squad.

Arsenal also have reasons to be cheerful. They needed to keep hold of Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas and that's what they did, while adding Tomas Rosicky for extra legs after losing the flagging Robert Pires. Alexander Hleb and Emmanuel Adebayor will also be better for having had a bit of time to adjust to the Premiership - all in all, Gunners can look forward to this season whatever happens with Ashley Cole.

Chelsea will of course take a bit of catching, but we have to believe they can be caught. They might not like to hear that it's time for a change, but I think it's fair to say that all neutrals hope that we get a proper title race this season - hopefully down to the last weekend. I hope so, Sky certainly hope so and I suspect the majority of you lot do too...


Linky

Isn't it funny how all these pundits seem to have conveniently forgotten that Arsenal, with a much stronger squad than they will have this season (having lost Pires, Bergkamp, Campbell - and Cole any day now) trailed a hefty 15 points behind us last season? Yet they are magically somehow a much better bet than Liverpool who have strengthened squad compared with last season

[dww]

Campbell was a liability at the end of last season. Arsenal were better at the end of last season than they were at the beginning. Pires and Bergkamp were part time players last season - I think Rosicky is a good replacement for Pires. They will need to replace Cole and/or get another centreback. Overall I think that Arsenal and ourselves look to have similar strength squads. I think United have the weakest looking squad, but they had a worse squad than us last year and look what happened. I guess it comes down to goals. If Robbie regains his form and Bellamy remains fit we will be 1st or 2nd with our current squad I think, otherwise I fear it might be 4th. We would have an even better chance if we added another potent striker.

[MrMichael]

'game well and truly over... and i hate saying that'

I'll never forget listening to him having a go at Alonso in one game for "not getting stuck in". Next minute Xabi chases a player 40 yards and gets in a crunching challenge that the ref blows for - "Don't think he needed to make that tackle". :whatever:

[Rosco]

Whether Gray makes salient points or not, he simply never ever misses an opportunity to be negative about us and stick the boot in. He'll still be criticising us when we next win the title.

Right so let's look at what Andy Gray has actually said :

"they've yet to find the perfect combination between tightness at the back and the attacking verve to break down defences. Maybe they'll find that this season, but I fear it may take a little longer."

The first part of that is entirely true, the second part is merely his opinion on it and it's quite a reasonable one.


Next :"Rafa Benitez has addressed the major problems from last season - the lack of a genuine right-sided midfielder who would look to get crosses in the box rather than always look inside, and a striker who can stretch defences."

That's hardly sticking the boot in ......

Next: "They have filled those gaps with Jermaine Pennant and Craig Bellamy, two players who arrive with reputations for off-field problems. But they would have to be stark-raving bonkers to mess up this chance at a fantastic club, and I would be amazed if they do."

Another comment that is quite accurate , followed by an opinion that is positive.


Next :"They have been handed a brilliant opportunity at a fantastic club and they would be stupid to do anything to jeopardise that."

That's twice in four lines he's referred to us as a fantastic club.


Next : "But for me, they will struggle to get anywhere near Chelsea, because you just wonder where the goals are going to come from in that team. Peter Crouch has a lot to prove at this level, Robbie Fowler has obviously seen better days and Craig Bellamy's 13 goals in the Premiership last season was his best-ever haul.

It's a rare title-challenging side that doesn't have a 20-goal player, and for Liverpool to expect Steven Gerrard to be that player is a little optimistic I think. He looked jaded this summer and I just can't see him having that sort of season again."

Again an observant point made, one which a lot of fans won't take notice of. As for his opinion on Stevie we'll see.


I wish people would read Gray's opinions with an open mind, read it without thinking about who wrote it. He's entitled to his opinion. It's well reasoned and stands up to a bit of scrutiny. By all means disagree with him, there's a couple of things I'd take issue with but for the first reply to this thread to call him a prick is utterly ridiculous.

[paulcooper4]

Right so let's look at what Andy Gray has actually said :

"they've yet to find the perfect combination between tightness at the back and the attacking verve to break down defences. Maybe they'll find that this season, but I fear it may take a little longer."

The first part of that is entirely true, the second part is merely his opinion on it and it's quite a reasonable one.


Next :"Rafa Benitez has addressed the major problems from last season - the lack of a genuine right-sided midfielder who would look to get crosses in the box rather than always look inside, and a striker who can stretch defences."

That's hardly sticking the boot in ......

Next: "They have filled those gaps with Jermaine Pennant and Craig Bellamy, two players who arrive with reputations for off-field problems. But they would have to be stark-raving bonkers to mess up this chance at a fantastic club, and I would be amazed if they do."

Another comment that is quite accurate , followed by an opinion that is positive.


Next :"They have been handed a brilliant opportunity at a fantastic club and they would be stupid to do anything to jeopardise that."

That's twice in four lines he's referred to us as a fantastic club.


Next : "But for me, they will struggle to get anywhere near Chelsea, because you just wonder where the goals are going to come from in that team. Peter Crouch has a lot to prove at this level, Robbie Fowler has obviously seen better days and Craig Bellamy's 13 goals in the Premiership last season was his best-ever haul.

It's a rare title-challenging side that doesn't have a 20-goal player, and for Liverpool to expect Steven Gerrard to be that player is a little optimistic I think. He looked jaded this summer and I just can't see him having that sort of season again."

Again an observant point made, one which a lot of fans won't take notice of. As for his opinion on Stevie we'll see.


I wish people would read Gray's opinions with an open mind, read it without thinking about who wrote it. He's entitled to his opinion. It's well reasoned and stands up to a bit of scrutiny. By all means disagree with him, there's a couple of things I'd take issue with but for the first reply to this thread to call him a prick is utterly ridiculous.

to be fair andy gray IS a prick. dont think thats a ridiculous statement at all.

[Rosco]

I wouldn't expect anything other than complete red bias from you Paul.

I think you're the most blinkered poster I've ever met.

[red g]

Right so let's look at what Andy Gray has actually said :

"they've yet to find the perfect combination between tightness at the back and the attacking verve to break down defences. Maybe they'll find that this season, but I fear it may take a little longer."

The first part of that is entirely true, the second part is merely his opinion on it and it's quite a reasonable one.


Next :"Rafa Benitez has addressed the major problems from last season - the lack of a genuine right-sided midfielder who would look to get crosses in the box rather than always look inside, and a striker who can stretch defences."

That's hardly sticking the boot in ......

Next: "They have filled those gaps with Jermaine Pennant and Craig Bellamy, two players who arrive with reputations for off-field problems. But they would have to be stark-raving bonkers to mess up this chance at a fantastic club, and I would be amazed if they do."

Another comment that is quite accurate , followed by an opinion that is positive.


Next :"They have been handed a brilliant opportunity at a fantastic club and they would be stupid to do anything to jeopardise that."

That's twice in four lines he's referred to us as a fantastic club.


Next : "But for me, they will struggle to get anywhere near Chelsea, because you just wonder where the goals are going to come from in that team. Peter Crouch has a lot to prove at this level, Robbie Fowler has obviously seen better days and Craig Bellamy's 13 goals in the Premiership last season was his best-ever haul.

It's a rare title-challenging side that doesn't have a 20-goal player, and for Liverpool to expect Steven Gerrard to be that player is a little optimistic I think. He looked jaded this summer and I just can't see him having that sort of season again."

Again an observant point made, one which a lot of fans won't take notice of. As for his opinion on Stevie we'll see.


I wish people would read Gray's opinions with an open mind, read it without thinking about who wrote it. He's entitled to his opinion. It's well reasoned and stands up to a bit of scrutiny. By all means disagree with him, there's a couple of things I'd take issue with but for the first reply to this thread to call him a prick is utterly ridiculous.

although the articledoes bring up many points.....he glosses over our positives and puts a spin on all things Man U. If we had lost a player or RVN 's quality and scoring record he would be predicting the end for us. He chooses to ignore Carricks price and also the hope they may get Senna.....not tomention Scholes isnt getting any younger.......Yes we have problems, Gray highlights them tomuch and seems to gloss over anybody elses defincies.

[paulcooper4]

I wouldn't expect anything other than complete red bias from you Paul.

I think you're the most blinkered poster I've ever met.

i dont think im the only lfc fan who rates rafa and thinks andy gray is a prick mate

[Rosco]

i dont think im the only lfc fan who rates rafa and thinks andy gray is a prick mate

Jesus, Paul did yu even bother to read anything I've posted in the last few hours ?

[paulcooper4]

Jesus, Paul did yu even bother to read anything I've posted in the last few hours ?

i try not to mate, after seeing the ****e you used to come out with on KT

[brikkis]

'Jose's Right About Toothless Reds'
Posted 04/08/06 09:55



It's a rare title-challenging side that doesn't have a 20-goal player, and for Liverpool to expect Steven Gerrard to be that player is a little optimistic I think. He looked jaded this summer and I just can't see him having that sort of season again.

No, I'd have to say that United in particular are still ahead of them, especially with the signing of Michael Carrick, the potential arrival of Marcos Senna and the return of Paul Scholes to strengthen the centre of midfield. That had to be the number-one priority this summer, and I think if the business ends there, Sir Alex will be happy to shut the wallet and wait until January.

The only player he's lost is Ruud van Nistelrooy, and if that keeps Cristiano Ronaldo at the club, Sir Alex will be happy. Anyone who thought he would get rid of that kid is barking mad, you don't sell one of the best five young players in Europe.

As it is, they're a striker down, but they do have Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Guiseppe Rossi and Alan Smith, who knows how to finish. If they could get in somebody with experience who didn't cost the earth, then fair enough, but I don't think United fans should be too perturbed about starting the season with the current squad.


Linky

The man's a scum loving whore. Plus he would hate to see us be successful in lifting the premier league title. I actually love to see us being written off before the season even starts. Rafa is used to it - It happened in Spain when he wouldn't do it against teams like Barca and Madrid but he did.

Andy your a :whatever: Lets see who's winning what come May

[Mumsafan]

I can't stand Andy Gray but I think if someone else had written that article we wouldn't be so bothered. He goes out of his way to make negative comments about us and always has done. I treat his comments the same way I treat Jose's comments. Filed in the bin.

[univofchicago]

i try not to mate, after seeing the ****e you used to come out with on KT

[Le Chacal]