Belfast Boy

What the hell was that from Barry?

Honestly had forgot he was playing.

We have 8 men in our box, leaving them to do what they want.

Henderson had a good first 90 seconds but has looked like a lost sheep since then.

You can't be getting beat at the near post from there.

Argued this with a few people at work the other night. Can't think of a single thing he does that makes him worthy of a starting XI for an international team the level of England or the top 4 team that Man City are looking to be. You argued with people? So are there actually people out there who rate Barry?

Considering its almost a full strength midfield it is extremely worrying how much better France are.

I thought he'd "done a Green there"

Decent start by the mackem

Someone to cross from the right all the more important now R Taylor is out.

Looking at our line up, I am not seeing a whole need for them to even play a left back.

Great effort first half, need to keep it up and not sit back now. Tiote's yellow and Nolan's lack of fitness is a worry, need to watch that. Shame we have no-one on the bench who you would want on to replace either. Oh, and welcome back Blef!

Howay this group of lads!

This is one game where I wont complain about using the long ball. I think trying to beat them at their own game is just asking for trouble.

Even the most optimistic poster would struggle to see how Nolan, Tiote and Barton are going to come out on top against Fabregas, Song, Wilshire and Nasri.

phew

Great effort with these strips mate but the pedantic side of me has to say the red is wrong and the hoops are too thin.

Carling Cup Q/F's Arsenal v Wigan B'ham v Villa W Ham v Man U Ipswich v WBA

NOTW linking Pardew to the Palace job today.

Not trivia as such but it seemed a hell of a coincidence that Phil Neville played his 600th career game the week after his brother did the same.

If it stays 0-0 till 60 mins or so then both sides subs will be interesting

1-0 to us save for a 'dodgy' call from the linesman there

I have absolutely no doubt he will mess it up yet, but fair play to Smith for his performance so far. Also Ranger is running his socks off, I wonder how long he can keep it up? Shame he has no support at all from Lovenkrands.

And there is the answer to those asking why not play the first 11.

Perch dead?