The Artful Dodger

It's odd how George Orwell has now been claimed by the right as some sort of English nationalist, I'd suggest it's because most of them have never read a single George Orwell book/article, instead reading one or two quotes such as the above. The effete middle class were the biggest offenders in the whole sickening 'it's coming home' stuff we saw in 2018, one of the most embarrassing things I've ever seen in England. Being a good Englishman is about humour, irony and self awareness, no time for this American bollocks.

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/police-probe-starts-after-west-ham-fans-destroy-liverpool-team-bus-window-1675320 Don't recall this being cried over by the great and good of this forum and beyond? Hypocrites.

What's the view on Arteta so far then? Too early to judge of course but are you seeing a style at least attempting to be delivered? I've not seen you really but watched the Burnley game, thought you were decent first half but then it was Burnley in the ascendancy for the rest of it. Do you think Arteta is going to just imitate how Pep sets up, in which case surely many signings are needed as your midfield doesn't seem like one which can hold possession? Patience required, this build could 4-5 years but certainly interesting to see how gets one.

Yeah, sorry @nudge came across as a bellend there.

Just the dismissal of the evidence which suggests this isn't anything like the disaster people predicted. It's certainly disappointing a lot of the press anyway, they were hoping to make millions off the panic.

You seem very desperate for this to be some massive disaster

Pretty sure he’s said he’ll stay till end of his contract, at least. Beyond that, I’m not sure. He seems to want a change of scenery frequently, I can see Italy calling at some point. I’d like to see him go to Roma, he’s played there and would be interesting to see him at a club like that. Certainly rather than Juventus.

I think Europe does offer the chance of the ‘big night’ atmosphere that the league very rarely does. Real Madrid are not renowned for atmosphere though, unless it’s a toxic one. They come to the ground to be pleased. Anything else and the whistles are out. Manchester City should be winning with the team they have.

What’s the verdict on Mason Mount so far? Seems to be coming in for some stick on Twitter (I know not the greatest barometer). Only a kid, maybe lampard should switch him a bit?

I’m not writing them off, it is a cup tie so anything can happen but sorry Manchester City have a fat superior side and squad. They should be doing it

Lampard saying Chelsea are underdogs for top 4 might work a bit better if they weren’t 6 points clear.

If Manchester City go out to Real Madrid then Guardiola has really let himself down, they are a much better side.

A mate of mine works there. I'm sure it will all be fine.

Tbf, I think it's more to do with the world class facilities they have there, relating to infectious disease. Does make you wonder though.

Entirely natural, who wouldn't want to be alone in this world? Human beings are nearly all absolute insufferable bellends not worth a second of your time and totally incapable of interesting conversation. The guilt you feel is entirely illogical, rid yourself of it and be genuinely happy. I am fairly lucky in that I've met some decent people but I steadfastly refuse to entertain making any more friends, it's just not worth the hassle of finding out someone likes Top Gear, Jason Manford or says 'dude' or 'Awesome'.

Pretty sure it’s just a cold, a bit run down. The Tories are sending the British people from China to be be quarantined on the wirral. They really do want to wipe everyone out here don’t they.

You're right, he did. Complete non-story then.

I think Manchester City are still the most wonderful side to watch when at full pelt, but that tends to be against teams who collapse like Villa. There is a vulnerability about them throughout the team, they don't seem to cut through the more obdurate teams as well as they used to. Sure it will be remedied by next season, and in Europe only need to be on it for 7 more nights and the trophy is theirs.

I imagine you may well see a new contract for Van Dijk soon, smells of that sort of behaviour.

VVD worth £10 mill more than the hapless Maguire? £200million would be about right for VVD in terms of his worth to Liverpool and global worth in this market. Certainly has to be far upwards of the expendable Coutinho. I'd be surprised if it were true anyway, only real benefit of a move to Juventus is living in Italy, very much a sideways step in terms of club.

I've got a sniffle. Serves me right for mocking those with masks on, I'll let you know if I'm about to croak it.

You have form, the homes of Maurice Watkins, Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have all had the 'MIB' turn up to them over the past 10-15 years. I doubt it's a complete fake. All this hand wringing from the middle class press is nauseating though, it's entirely because they have stolen the game of football from the working class that his kind of things happen.

I find it hard to have much sympathy for parasites like Woodward who take ludicrous salaries, but the complete embarrassment of Manchester United is always welcome.

So happy for Son.

Was down in London at the weekend, loads of gimps walking around with masks on. Jesus Christ, get a grip.