⚽ English Premier League Season: 2023/2024

[JollyGood]

Liverpool also defeated Bournemouth by 9-0 home after starting the league quite badly last year. However they couldn't maintain this performance later on. As they couldn't manage to finish the league even in top 4 last year they are playing in the UEFA Europa League. So even if these impressive wins reassure the team they might not be very decisive for the rest of the season.

I have just checked this after reading your post, it was last season at Anfield in August 2022 when Liverpool beat Bournemouth 9-0. That is another team to hit 9 goals past their opponent without conceding.

A few reputable sports commentator in my country who are following Chelsea say that Chelsea don't perform badly and they are just unlucky. What do you think about this topic? My opinion is that a team spending this much money in the transfer window shouldn't lose this many points at the beginning of the season already. You just can't lose points to Nottingham Forest in Stamford Bridge.

It is not just them dropping points at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, things have been bad at Chelsea since the season began. They also had bad results during pre-season. In the Premier League since the season began, their record stands at W1 D2 L3 and that is simply not good enough for Chelsea.

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[tokeweed]

Dunno...  Sometimes you could see it early in the season.  I for one think this season could be Ten Hag's last with United.  But as for Poch if the bad run continues do you really think the Chelsea brass would risk it and stick with him beyond December?  They could but we've seem it lots of times before.  It gets iffy a couple of weeks before Boxing Day.

I would not be surprised if Ten Hag was no longer manager of Manchester United at the beginning of next season. He seems to have lost large numbers of players in the dressing room. As for Chelsea, even if they go on a bad run they will not dismiss Pochettino because of the compensation they will have to pay him as well as finding a suitable manager. I think he is the man for the job but clearly he needs time.

And no, something is really wrong behind the scenes at Chelsea.  And I don't think their next match is gonna be good for them.  Marco Silva and his boys are smelling the blood in the West London derby.  Lol.

It is possible Fulham will throw everything at Chelsea but we just do not know when the season for Chelsea could turn in their favour.

Mmm...  Don't think it's just a bad run.  Losing vs West Ham, sure.  I'd get it as David Moyes could outfox better managers with better squads.  But then losing against Nottingham Forest, a draw vs Bournemouth and a loss vs Aston Villa at home?  Something's really wrong behind scenes.

And I got Fulham vs Chelsea at a nil - nil draw.  But wouldn't be surprised if Fulham wins it 1 - 0.

I think Fulham draw no bet looks decent value in this spot.

[Juggy777]

Mmm...  Don't think it's just a bad run.  Losing vs West Ham, sure.  I'd get it as David Moyes could outfox better managers with better squads.  But then losing against Nottingham Forest, a draw vs Bournemouth and a loss vs Aston Villa at home?  Something's really wrong behind scenes.

And I got Fulham vs Chelsea at a nil - nil draw.  But wouldn't be surprised if Fulham wins it 1 - 0.

I think Fulham draw no bet looks decent value in this spot.

@tokeweed there’s massive talent in this Chelsea squad and for some unknown reason they haven’t yet exploded  but I yet believe in Poch that he can turn things around so I don’t consider it wise to wager against them. Lastly while Fulham will do their best to beat Chelsea but I have a strong feeling that Chelsea will bounce back in style because now Poch has seen enough and should be able to motivate his player’s to secure those 3 vital points.

[JollyGood]

And I got Fulham vs Chelsea at a nil - nil draw.  But wouldn't be surprised if Fulham wins it 1 - 0.

I think Fulham draw no bet looks decent value in this spot.

How strange things have become when we are talking about a Premier League game and wondering whether Chelsea will be able to defeat Fulham or whether it will be a goalless draw. Personally, I think Chelsea have turned a corner and they will get maximum points at Fulham.

@tokeweed there’s massive talent in this Chelsea squad and for some unknown reason they haven’t yet exploded  but I yet believe in Poch that he can turn things around so I don’t consider it wise to wager against them. Lastly while Fulham will do their best to beat Chelsea but I have a strong feeling that Chelsea will bounce back in style because now Poch has seen enough and should be able to motivate his player’s to secure those 3 vital points.

I agree, Pochettino is the man for the job. He will turn things around but he will need time. From their perspective, Fulham will not get a better opportunity to defeat Chelsea because they are struggling but as far as Chelsea are concerned they will go for a win and move on from a difficult start.

[JollyGood]

These are the games taking place today Saturday 30th September 2023:
 
Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Everton vs Luton Town
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle United vs Burnley
West Ham United vs Sheffield United
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

The early kick-off result: Aston Villa 6-1 Brighton and Hove Albion

What a start by Aston Villa, with their win they currently sit in 3rd place in the Premier League table but that could change later today after the others games have taken place.

[CLS63]

The early kick-off result: Aston Villa 6-1 Brighton and Hove Albion

What a start by Aston Villa, with their win they currently sit in 3rd place in the Premier League table but that could change later today after the others games have taken place.

When Aston Villa were completely defeated by Newacstle on the first week I thought that this season might not go on well for them. However they have made a quite good entrance to the season. And they have lost points to only Newcastle and Liverpool after the end of 7 matches.After defeating Chelsea away they must be quite happy for defeating one of the strong teams in the league like Brighton by 6-1. Besides they are in a situation of being the biggest favourite of the Conference League as well.

Lastly how do you find the performance of the referees this season? Have they always been this bad? Is this the season in which they are the worst?

[Igebotz]

Lastly how do you find the performance of the referees this season? Have they always been this bad? Is this the season in which they are the worst?

VAR and ref decisions this season has been terrible, but I'm not surprised that the English are the worst in Europe. I don't care what happened to Liverpool, but today's VAR was literally against them. The goal that was disallowed was a joke, as was the red card.

Chelsea Gusto's red card was also a joke.

[JollyGood]

When Aston Villa were completely defeated by Newacstle on the first week I thought that this season might not go on well for them. However they have made a quite good entrance to the season. And they have lost points to only Newcastle and Liverpool after the end of 7 matches.After defeating Chelsea away they must be quite happy for defeating one of the strong teams in the league like Brighton by 6-1. Besides they are in a situation of being the biggest favourite of the Conference League as well.

Lastly how do you find the performance of the referees this season? Have they always been this bad? Is this the season in which they are the worst?

These are results from the games played today:

Aston Villa 6-1 Brighton and Hove Albion
Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
Everton 1-2 Luton Town
Manchester United 0-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United 2-0 Burnley
West Ham United 2-0 Sheffield United
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool

Aston Villa continue their excellent start to the season, they beat an in-form team such as Brighton quite easily. It was a good game for them, they look like they will cause bigger teams problems this season.

Manchester City lost their 100% record. Wolves played well under intense pressure but in the end won the game against the reigning champions Manchester City. That defeat allowed Arsenal and Tottenham to close the gap but Liverpool played with nine men at one stage after having two players sent off. Still, Tottenham had to score to get the win and they did it.

Ten Hag is failing badly at Manchester United, he will probably get sacked soon, well done to Crystal Palace for winning the game. Newcastle United also got a much needed win and West Ham United won their game.

Here is the Premier League table as it currently stands:

Lastly how do you find the performance of the referees this season? Have they always been this bad? Is this the season in which they are the worst?

VAR and ref decisions this season has been terrible, but I'm not surprised that the English are the worst in Europe. I don't care what happened to Liverpool, but today's VAR was literally against them. The goal that was disallowed was a joke, as was the red card.

Chelsea Gusto's red card was also a joke.

VAR gave some dubious decisions today. I have no idea what is going on but how can they determine what the referee is supposed to determine what is a clear and obvious error and how does that fit in when VAR themselves look at a decision and make the wrong call when it is obvious they are wrong.

[tokeweed]

^  What did Unai Emery do to his squad.  Lmao.  Who would've thunk they'd give Brighton a thrashing. 

And I got Fulham vs Chelsea at a nil - nil draw.  But wouldn't be surprised if Fulham wins it 1 - 0.

I think Fulham draw no bet looks decent value in this spot.

How strange things have become when we are talking about a Premier League game and wondering whether Chelsea will be able to defeat Fulham or whether it will be a goalless draw. Personally, I think Chelsea have turned a corner and they will get maximum points at Fulham.

We'll see...  I think they haven't yet til they win a couple of good matches vs the likes of Tottenham or even a slightly lower level squad like Brighton.

And remember guys, this fixture vs Chelsea is important for Fulham as winning it will give more pride for the club.  It's the West London derby, so you know Fulham is gonna bring it.  Not really sure if Chelsea is in the same kind of mindset.

[JollyGood]

What Emery he did consistently at Spanish clubs Valencia, Sevilla and Villareal fantastic considering budget restrictions in comparison to what the La Liga giants spent. I think he could have done well at Arsenal had he been given more time but he was under intense pressure on a regular basis while he managed there therefore he had to move on.

Gerrard clearly failed Aston Villa as their manager and the experiment went wrong but it seems Emery has found a good mould in Aston Villa, the club and the manager fit well together. They will be the team to watch this season alongside West Ham United as they try to take on the bigger teams.

^  What did Unai Emery do to his squad.  Lmao.  Who would've thunk they'd give Brighton a thrashing. 

[Igebotz]

VAR and ref decisions this season has been terrible, but I'm not surprised that the English are the worst in Europe. I don't care what happened to Liverpool, but today's VAR was literally against them. The goal that was disallowed was a joke, as was the red card.

VAR gave some dubious decisions today. I have no idea what is going on but how can they determine what the referee is supposed to determine what is a clear and obvious error and how does that fit in when VAR themselves look at a decision and make the wrong call when it is obvious they are wrong.

The league was better prior to VAR interfered in infield ref decisions; now it's worse since VAR can't get a single call right, too many clear onside goals have been disallowed, red card judgements have been overturned, and this continues every week with no penalty for these refs.

And remember guys, this fixture vs Chelsea is important for Fulham as winning it will give more pride for the club.  It's the West London derby, so you know Fulham is gonna bring it.  Not really sure if Chelsea is in the same kind of mindset.

Fulham always get the better of us but I think BTS will be the most valuable bet

[JollyGood]

The league was better prior to VAR interfered in infield ref decisions; now it's worse since VAR can't get a single call right, too many clear onside goals have been disallowed, red card judgements have been overturned, and this continues every week with no penalty for these refs.

Liverpool are not going to sit idle and let this issue go. What was going on with the VAR and his assistant, how could both of them managed to have not stopped the game after the lines were not showing up on their screen? Garnacho seemed to have a perfectly good goal for Manchester United disallowed against Arsenal because of another strange VAR decision that could have seen them win the game 1-2 but ended up losing 3-1.

And remember guys, this fixture vs Chelsea is important for Fulham as winning it will give more pride for the club.  It's the West London derby, so you know Fulham is gonna bring it.  Not really sure if Chelsea is in the same kind of mindset.

Fulham always get the better of us but I think BTS will be the most valuable bet [/quote]
I am confident Chelsea will win the game and it will be by a big margin too. I think Pochettino and his team will send a statement to the rest of the Premier League to let them know they are back.  Fulham will play without awe and will take the game to Chelsea but I think it will end bad for them as Chelsea will take maximum points.

[Igebotz]

The league was better prior to VAR interfered in infield ref decisions; now it's worse since VAR can't get a single call right, too many clear onside goals have been disallowed, red card judgements have been overturned, and this continues every week with no penalty for these refs.

Liverpool are not going to sit idle and let this issue go. What was going on with the VAR and his assistant, how could both of them managed to have not stopped the game after the lines were not showing up on their screen? Garnacho seemed to have a perfectly good goal for Manchester United disallowed against Arsenal because of another strange VAR decision that could have seen them win the game 1-2 but ended up losing 3-1.

There is nothing Liverpool will get except an apology from PGMOL, which they have already received, and possibly suspension of the officials for the next game round, as the FA generally does, but the harm is irreversible; they have already lost the point. BTW, the FA is about to charge McAlister for his Instagram comment on Romero's page. I don't see why the FA is taking it seriously when it was just pleasant banter between two pals.  The English FA is just good at issuing charges and cannot even officiate a single good game.

BTW Chelsea play Fulham today in another London derby - what are your predictions guys.

[JollyGood]

There is nothing Liverpool will get except an apology from PGMOL, which they have already received, and possibly suspension of the officials for the next game round, as the FA generally does, but the harm is irreversible; they have already lost the point.

Various media have reported that Liverpool have officially requested the audio recordings from the officials (on field referee, VAR and VAR assistant) after stated they will "explore the range of options available". As far as Liverpool as concerned an apology will not do, they want much more.

BTW Chelsea play Fulham today in another London derby - what are your predictions guys.

I am going for a victory statement by Chelsea. Fulham will play well and the crowd will urge them to play tough but in the end there will be a clear winner: Fulham 1-4 Chelsea

[Igebotz]

There is nothing Liverpool will get except an apology from PGMOL, which they have already received, and possibly suspension of the officials for the next game round, as the FA generally does, but the harm is irreversible; they have already lost the point.

Various media have reported that Liverpool have officially requested the audio recordings from the officials (on field referee, VAR and VAR assistant) after stated they will "explore the range of options available". As far as Liverpool as concerned an apology will not do, they want much more.

I saw the report today, and they have the right to demand it, but something doesn't feel right, because the audio record between the VAR and the infield field ref was released the next day after the Onana Vs Wolves incident. If the PMOL is taking this long to provide Liverpool with the audio record, they are guilty of the charges levelled against them. Or they're attempting to alter the recording before handing it over.

BTW Chelsea play Fulham today in another London derby - what are your predictions guys.

I am going for a victory statement by Chelsea. Fulham will play well and the crowd will urge them to play tough but in the end there will be a clear winner: Fulham 1-4 Chelsea

Fulham always give us the taste of our own medicine anytime we play against them and I think it's going to be a close win. Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

[JollyGood]

RESULT:

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

You went for 1-2 and I went for 1-4 therefore were far closer to the final result than I was. Mudryk  finally got off the mark with a goal and it should give him a lot of confidence because Chelsea paid huge amounts to buy him. Broja got the second goal, he played well. What was still not good enough was they had 44% possession when Fulham had 56%. Chelsea are slowly coming back on track.

As for Fulham, they played well. They had opportunities to get back in the game but it was not their night.

Fulham always give us the taste of our own medicine anytime we play against them and I think it's going to be a close win. Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

[Juggy777]

RESULT:

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

You went for 1-2 and I went for 1-4 therefore were far closer to the final result than I was. Mudryk  finally got off the mark with a goal and it should give him a lot of confidence because Chelsea paid huge amounts to buy him. Broja got the second goal, he played well. What was still not good enough was they had 44% possession when Fulham had 56%. Chelsea are slowly coming back on track.

As for Fulham, they played well. They had opportunities to get back in the game but it was not their night.

@JollyGood Poch and Chelsea player’s badly needed an victory and they finally got one and this shall definitely boost their confidence because Poch is an excellent coach and he’s managing an exceptionally talented squad hence it’s only a matter of time before they all click. Lastly even on social media I had seen many people write off Chelsea and they had claimed that Fulham would easily beat them but now they all have to eat their words back because Chelsea won and that too without conceding a goal.

[SeriouslyGiveaway]

Various media have reported that Liverpool have officially requested the audio recordings from the officials (on field referee, VAR and VAR assistant) after stated they will "explore the range of options available". As far as Liverpool as concerned an apology will not do, they want much more.

- An apology alone doesn't cut it for me. The outcome of the match could have been different if that goal had been counted. Such a mistake can have a significant impact on the season, especially if Liverpool ends up one or three points behind the top team. It's an error that's hard to accept.
- Let's recall the 2018-2019 season when Man City edged out Liverpool by just one point. Could history repeat itself? If it does, I believe this loss will be revisited and scrutinized.

- I think the current referee protection law in the Premier League is really terrible. Initially, it aimed to have a humanitarian meaning - to respect human beings, to respect referees. But inadvertently, it brought more negativity and subjectivity to the referees. We've seen this after 7 rounds in the Premier League, with many wrong decisions made by referees. They make a lot of mistakes, but when players or coaches offer their input, they quickly send them off or threaten them with cards.
- Throughout history, referees making mistakes has been very normal; it's part of football. But if their mistakes, protected by this law, become too egregious, we'll witness an ironic phenomenon because the world knows just how poor the quality of English referees is. In Russia 2018, English referees were absent on the biggest football stage on the planet. Even in the recent World Cup in Qatar, there were only two English referees, and one was removed after mistakes in the quarter-final match between Croatia and Brazil.
- And now, the football governing bodies in England are creating a law to shield referees so they can do whatever they want. This makes me feel that those in charge are trying to cover up the incompetence of English referees.

[Igebotz]

You went for 1-2 and I went for 1-4 therefore were far closer to the final result than I was. Mudryk  finally got off the mark with a goal and it should give him a lot of confidence because Chelsea paid huge amounts to buy him. Broja got the second goal, he played well. What was still not good enough was they had 44% possession when Fulham had 56%. Chelsea are slowly coming back on track.

As for Fulham, they played well. They had opportunities to get back in the game but it was not their night.

Fulham always give us the taste of our own medicine anytime we play against them and I think it's going to be a close win. Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

We played well in the first half but lost possession in the second half after Mudryk and Broja were pulled off; I wasn't convinced by our victory, we were only lucky enough to convert goal chances. We're still fighting to hold possession, and our attackers are still missing the chemistry. The mudryk goal was a good way for him to show off his confidence, and I'm not sure why Poch took him off so early. We're still a long way from where we want to be.

[JollyGood]

I did not write Chelsea off because I was fairly sure they would have to bounce back at some stage. Chelsea had a disastrous start to the season and it was not something that would continue, at some point Chelsea would become a cohesive unit. By all means this win does not indicate they will join the chasing pack but if they manage to go on an unbeaten run over 10 games it will mean they would have made strides towards being the team Pochettino envisaged.

We should not take anything away from Fulham though because they played very well. Had some decisions gone their way it would have made an interesting end to the game but when it is analysed, Chelsea won the game, Mudryk scored his first goal, Broja demonstrated he is a very good player and they kept a clean sheet therefore they should be satisfied.

@JollyGood Poch and Chelsea player’s badly needed an victory and they finally got one and this shall definitely boost their confidence because Poch is an excellent coach and he’s managing an exceptionally talented squad hence it’s only a matter of time before they all click. Lastly even on social media I had seen many people write off Chelsea and they had claimed that Fulham would easily beat them but now they all have to eat their words back because Chelsea won and that too without conceding a goal.