2022/23 Soccer Thread: Finals Week(s)

Well. I know it matters to Everton, Leeds and Leicester, but this season feels like quite the anti-climax to the last several seasons with the top 7 or so decided now and just those bottom three left to sort things out, but only if Everton lose.

It seems to have gone on forever this season. That world cup has a lot to answer for.

Of the big 5 leagues, only Germany has had a lasting title race. Arsenal made a great go of it, but we all saw the writing on the wall for a while there.

For the record, I'm off to Dublin tomorrow with my Newcastle supporting mate and his brothers to celebrate his 40th. All Geordies, plan is to find a pub showing the game on Sunday afternoon. It's going to be an odd occasion

Does the Geordie-to-Irish translation require Duolingo or something?

Alternative title, "Why the MLS will never have relegation."

Prederick wrote:

Does the Geordie-to-Irish translation require Duolingo or something? :lol:

I struggle enough with the Geordie to be honest and I’ve been here 15 years!

Relegation day AND the Championship playoff tomorrow. Wow.

Amazing that Coventry City, a First Division stalwart for 30 seasons, are now a "little club" hoping to get back to the big time.

Wooft 8-0 on aggregate think we’d have beaten Ayr!

Prederick wrote:

Amazing that Coventry City, a First Division stalwart for 30 seasons, are now a "little club" hoping to get back to the big time.

Luton and Coventry were in League Two together five years ago. Even now, they are both punching well above their weight, with tiny budgets compared to some of the other teams in the division. It's a great story, whichever one wins.

Trying not to get my hopes up too much...

IMAGE(https://i.imgur.com/DbM81kr.png)

Sorbicol wrote:

Also, f*ck you Daniel Levy

I mean, Levy Levyed Jose in truly petty, self-sabotaging fashion. Hard to blame him for bearing a grudge.

Dortmund currently choking away their title chance, losing 0-2 at home and missing a penalty while Bayern are 1-0 up away at Cologne.

This would give Bayern the title by a point.

--
An hour gone and no change. Dortmund have to score three times or hope Cologne find a goal.

Bayern also choking!

It'll be hilarious if Dortmund reverse into the title.

And the Evil Empire is back in front.

Mr Bismarck wrote:

It'll be hilarious if Dortmund reverse into the title.

It would appear not.

For God's sake Dortmund.

Mainz had lost their last four games in a row before this, conceding at least three in each.

IMAGE(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FxJRRaqX0AEa7zf?format=jpg&name=900x900)

IMAGE(https://media4.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExMTE4NGM1NzVlY2ZjOWNjNDRjODJmZDBlNzJjZjIyZmUzZmEyYjk0YyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZzX2dpZklkJmN0PWc/pebV4PbehxTeghjcWb/giphy.gif)

Bayern was pretty much offering the tile for free this season. Ffs...

Big clubs also being relegated.

I would describe the playoff as "nice."

Not "pulsating," or super-interesting, just nice. 1-1 with 10 minutes left.

ESPN has mixed the crowd noise down so far, this feels like it's a pre-season friendly.

EDIT: I know different countries have different standards, but Ian Darke just described it being a "hot day" in London.

It is 70F/21C.

IMAGE(https://i.redd.it/6f5ra5j6dfr81.jpg)

Non-league to Premier League in 9 years. That's some FM sh*t.

Welcome back Luton Town!

(Commiserations to Coventry. Feel awful for Fankaty Dabo.)

EDIT: Also, was looking at the crowd shots and had no idea Luton Town had such a diverse fanbase!

Well.

Gutted.

Not that I watched the shootout. I turned off the TV and took the dog for a walk. I vowed years ago that I will never watch a penalty shootout again, no matter who is involved. I can't bear to sit through them; it's such a bullsh*t way to decide a football match, and I hate that this game finished that way.

Sad for everyone involved, but we'll see what next season brings, now we have stable ownership and a guaranteed place to play.

As for Luton - really pleased for them. Well deserved over the balance of the season, and what a story.

Tasty Pudding wrote:

Well.

Gutted.

Not that I watched the shootout. I turned off the TV and took the dog for a walk. I vowed years ago that I will never watch a penalty shootout again, no matter who is involved. I can't bear to sit through them; it's such a bullsh*t way to decide a football match, and I hate that this game finished that way.

Sad for everyone involved, but we'll see what next season brings, now we have stable ownership and a guaranteed place to play.

As for Luton - really pleased for them. Well deserved over the balance of the season, and what a story.

Sorry you had to join play off disappointment corner tasty and in such a painful way, I have seen snatches of Coventry this season and they looked worthy of it. Will get behind the renewed push next year and at least the days of Northampton are long behind you.

And Leeds already behind, going down without a fight. Farewell Premier League, it was nice while it lasted. All that work undone in 18 months, well done board, well done.

Leeds fans singing "whatever will be, will be... we're going to Coventry..."

Leicester goal. Could it happen to Everton?

Prederick wrote:

Leicester goal. Could it happen to Everton?

God, I hope so.

In League Two, Carlisle beat Stockport on penalties in the playoff final. I've had a soft spot for Stockport since the days when I took them to Premier League glory in Championship Manager '93, so I was rooting for them. Oh well.

Leeds is doomed, but my goodness what heartbreak if Everton can't find a goal.

EDIT: Everton's players, currently

It was definitely coming for Everton.

Leeds have thrown away 20 points from winning positons this year, we get what we deserve. 2-0 up at Old Trafford, Bamford missing that sitter against Leicester and pen against Newcastle. Oh well.

Everton's goal was truly gorgeous. Both of Tottenham's have been pretty nice, too.

And a goal for Leeds as I type this! I'm sure y'all know they need a win and then losses for Everton and Leicester.

LOL WTF are Liverpool doing?