Canuck

A home match against them or leeds or away to leeds woul have been easier. Cant complain though could have got United, Arsenal or Liverpool. Highly unlikely we'll win the cup given Arsenal, Liverpool and United all have their eyes on winning it and they're much better teams. But nevertheless a semi final would be a great achievment itself given we're a second division side and what not. Bring it on! Thanks - that sh*t winds me up as well.

Does anybody up here call it newcy brown? I have never heard it called that once No, I've only ever heard people from the home counties called it that. It's awful. They also use it in the Excited States of America.

The broadcast here featured this sign at the end of the match. It was up twice for a good 8 to 10 seconds and then again in the commentary after the match. Well done!

This has made the news over here in Canada. Long discussion about the origins and the comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, as well as how badly the French Government has messed up the handling of all of this. All of a sudden they are saying "West Brom's Nicolas Anelka made the gesture at a Premier League Football match which exposed it to a global audience". The interviewer asked if the authorities had moved to punish him and the reply was "not yet". The FA - covered in glory once again...

If he has Plantar Fasciitis, it is chronic and has ended the careers of a few athletes.

Might sound like a stupid question but is this even realistic? As far as I can tell, the England team is a closed shop. For instance, it took years for Forster to get a look. There has not been a debut for a defender in more than two years. Would love it but I can't see it happening.

James Sharman took the piss at one point saying "this from a man who bit an opponent" Interestingly enough he has toned down his pro-mackem FTM attitude lately. He even said the atmosphere at SJP is one of the best anywhere. Still hate him tho... Sorry, Dichio bit someone? My Canadian football knowledge is sketchy, please humour me. Against the Chicago Fire keeper. Am I allowed to post this: redacted

James Sharman took the piss at one point saying "this from a man who bit an opponent" Interestingly enough he has toned down his pro-mackem FTM attitude lately. He even said the atmosphere at SJP is one of the best anywhere. Still hate him tho...

Loved his movement for the first goal today. Ran toward the corner with purpose. His marker came with and created confusion at the front post which opened up space in the 6 yard box.

This is what I was trying to highlight. I don't understand asking the player if he is OK to proceed when it comes to hits to the head. How are they supposed to assess themselves. A person does not have to "black out" for it to be serious. The medical staff and the manager have a duty of care for the players IMO.

I seem to recall Demba Ba getting kicked in the noggin at SJP and IIRC he was not shipped to the nearest hospital. have I got that wrong?

The difference in how concussions are handled in North America v England is interesting. Too many athletes here had their brains scrambled and took action against the leagues. Now if a player is even thought to have a concussion, they are taken to a speacial darkened room for full and immediate evaluation. At Spurs it was a "How ya feelin'?" "Good ya?" PLAY ON!!

Caresses it in to the bottom corner...

Same, can vividly remember watching it go in and going mental. That and the Fulham goal. So unorthodox. Your probably thinking of Santiago Munez's goal. That was the goal that turned heads at Real Madrid. They signed him that summer.

What? Are you suggesting that they have enough money to install UV lighting to grow grass at their indoor training facility? Wow - no wonder they can't afford players. As for HBA - it's like having a bentley but you can't drive it because it is always broken down. Some people are chuffed and go around saying "look at me, I have a Bentley", while others just get on with it and drive their Ferrari day in and day out.

Bienvenue à mes nouveaux amis

Really love his movement. Very intelligent and unselfishly draws defenders off of the ball carrier.

I think that we will look back in May and realize that this was the game when relegation became the reality...

Ben Arfa has really come along as a player in my eyes. I am absolutely loving how his game has rounded in to form. I was critical of the over the top love fest at the beginning because it was far too polarizing. Good on him for keeping his head down and working on his game. IMO he is a more complete player with his skills but also a team ethic and a passion for all parts of the game. He seems more lively off the ball and also very keen to support his teammates. The body language says to me that they are supporting him as well. There was a good moment when he was subbed off - huge smile on his face and a bit of man-love from Pards as he walked by.

Huge respect for Pardew. I know that it takes time to react and adapt players to tactics and vice versa. I think that he has persevered with his beliefs and I am a fan. We can challenge his man management from time to time but I see huge dividends being paid.

Great news. Speaks to the continuity of the team and the settled nature of the club. We had player's leaving because things were too "up in the air". To have a key player like Colo settle in sends a great message.

He has come back from a terrible injury that had him out for many weeks and was thrown in ASAP after Taylor was lost with little or no time to get up to speed again. Unlike the precious Ben Arfa, nobody seems to remember that bit. He has not been the only poor player on the pitch in the games where the team have been hammered. So why is he a target? Spurs were absolutely rampant yesterday and yet the reaction here is as if Williamson singlehandedly lost the game. Total bollocks - it is a team game. He was no better or no worse than those around him.

Careful now, you might be called a troll and a WUM for suggesting such a thing!!

I agree with this perspective. The manager sets up to get points, which is what is happening this season. He will assess the players every training session against the criteria that he and his staff have decided upon. I do not believe that the staff (manager included) have an agenda, for or against, any individual because that would cost them points, money and job security. Lose, lose, lose... The manager has to fit all of the pieces of the jigsaw together and if the fans have an agenda favouring one player over another that is unfortunate because they do not have the same exposure to the player's or tactics; nor do they risk losing their job over it. I get that their are supporters that are keen to see HBA do great things - and I hope he does. I do not understand ripping on the manager over some made up agenda over flair players, or saying that the manager can't handle HBA and favours other players over him. That just does not ring true.

My first 6 words That is meaningless in light of you next comment. It's like saying. I'm a big fan of chocolate except for all of the chocolate taste. It like it just decides to be chocolatey without any consideration for flavour.