Big Geordie

Disappointing today - I thought we lacked a good tempo and also genuine creativity. It was crying out for Ben Arfa in the 2nd half and as to why Pardew didn't fetch him on is beyond me. The lad needs to start on Wednesday v West Brom and I'd also probably chuck in Vuckic alongside Tiote. Thought Obertan started brightly, but reverted to type and kept on drifting inside of the fullback everytime he had the ball. He has the pace to get around on the outside, so why doesn't he do it? Overall it's been a good start to the season, but we must push on from here and investment is needed in January. A new striker, a DC as well as keeping Tiote and Colo are a must. Owt less than that and we'll end up falling to mid-table. It's all up to Mike Ashley as ever.

Tiote will go if enough cash is offered. Also maybe Colo (hope not for both though!)

Stoke 1-0 up - Etherington.

Larsson probably pinches it for the mackems. Sounds deserved in fairness. Mackems will go into overdrive now - Wireside will be here tonight!

Sunderland have been quite poor and should be 2-0 down. Mackem O'Neill has a big job on here, IMO.

This is it - as we found out in the 1980's, keep on selling your best players and you are headed only in one direction and it's not up!

Pish today - I've never seen a more frustrating winger. Has got pace to burn, but he refuses to attack the fullback on the outside.

I'm not too disappointed because trouble in the air was always going to happen today, with our two 'centre backs'. Just had no answer to the power of Holt and Morrison. Where the hell was Tamas Kadar? At least the lad is 6'2 and DC is his preferred position! Thought Ba took both of his goals superbly, but Obertan was a major let down. His refusal to go at his fullback on the outside totally bemuses me because he has the pace and tricks to get by with no problem. Every time he comes inside, he runs into trouble and loses the ball. Major worry for me is our great start to the season is now going to be allowed to be frittered away because I'm not convinced the owner will invest in January. Suspect Pardew will be told to make to with what he has.

Tough game today and keeping Norwich out (given the injuries) is a major ask. I'd happily take a point if offered now.

I remember him from Spain 82 - terrific player.

Nope - applies only to goalkeepers when the window is closed. We can however (I think) sign free-agents.

Bloody hell - Taylor has been one of the success stories of the season.

Disappointing today - scoreline was unjust. Also as poor a refereeing performance that I've seen in many years - Mike Dean was just awful. How could he fail to send off Luiz when it was so blatant? Really worrying about the injuries at centre-back. This is what can happen when you have no cover and for that, serious questions need to be asked (again) I also agree that the Ryan Taylor at DL experiment now has to end.

Friend of mine at work was talking to me this morning about when he met Gary Speed. Ambrose is from the same village in Nigeria (and is mates with) as Jay Jay Ockocha and after taking in a Bolton game, JJ arranged for him to meet Speed. Ambrose said he was a totally spot on bloke and spent a good while talking to him about football. Needless to say, he is devastated at the moment and is in as much shock as the rest of us. Just thought it worth sharing.

The Swansea v Villa game may well be called off, due to some Welsh players being in the Swansea side.

Suicide? That's just so wrong. What a terrific man and servant to Newcastle United he was. An instrumental player in our revival with Sir Bobby in charge. I'm genuinely shocked.

Jesus H.

Care to explain why it is 'nailed on'? Been rumoured for a while and they will doubtlessly be looking to refresh parts of their ageing squad.

Tiote to Chelsea - nailed on to happen. Question is, how much? Ashley will have seen how well Guthrie has done and will now doubtlessly be rubbing his hands. Keep on selling your best players isn't a good thing at all.

Some whinging Manc on 606 now.

Terrific point - well done lads. Real quality defending - MoM Steven Taylor or Krul. Did I also hear a few boos there?

They score - but Hernandez disallowed for offside!

Ba - great work.

4mins. Where the hell has that come from?! Taylor blocks from Ashley Young! Somehow, we are hanging on. Feck knows how!