Keefaz

Aye, why didn't you just tell this copper that, ToonTastic?

I thought he was utterly shit? Isn't that the usual opinion on Harper?

Good post. There's work to be done, but let's not lose our heads. Thought Rozey had a tendancy to back off a bit much for my tastes (although he wasn't alone in that: an Allardyce technique?).

I'm disappointed, tbh, but I had unrealistic expectations along with everyone else. I thought maybe there would be some magic fix. But, apparently, we're living in the real world so we just have to get on with it.

He's talks funny. Ranieri also talked funny. Definitely getting the heave-ho.

FYFP

But when Jose is fit the zog will be in midfield wont he so that would add some creativity. Um. Yes.

I think this is the first time I've agreed with you without exception. had to happen, only been on the forum 3 years like plus, the post didn't mention Bramble That'll be it.

I think we're in agreement, then: the 3 CMs played today do not really have the creative potential required to break down stubborn teams at home, particularly when they have a less than ideal front 3 ahead of them. Maybe when Viduka or Owen's fit with Barton/Emre in midfield it would work better. Even Shola through the middle would've created more today, I think.

I think this is the first time I've agreed with you without exception.

FYP

agree. personally i don't think any of our midfielders were awful, just that they're the same type of players doing similar jobs. chelsea would be shit if they had three makeleles in midfield too. Aye, there's some truth in that. I don't think they were helped by the players in front of them (Milner aside). Viduka looked well off the pace and Martins was a liability. Owen played through the centre and Zog on the other side and we'd look a bit more balanced. The strikers were a liability? lol, that's the first I've head of that today. Did you actually see the game? How much in terms of service did they receive? Your earlier comment was spot on, as was johnnypd's... 3 Makelele's don't win you games or create opportunities for flatfooted strikers to score with. No, I said Martins was a liability and Viduka was off the pace. Are you mental? I am. I wasn't nitpicking but you seem to be. Ad verbatim, yes, you said Martins was a liability. Please describe how, when all four strikers we used today -- three internationals -- did the same amount of work (zero). Are you agreeing with me? I'm not sure what you're trying to say. Owen looked totally unfit and possibly scared, Martins was Martins, Viduka looked like a fat old man, and Shola was Shola.

agree. personally i don't think any of our midfielders were awful, just that they're the same type of players doing similar jobs. chelsea would be shit if they had three makeleles in midfield too. Aye, there's some truth in that. I don't think they were helped by the players in front of them (Milner aside). Viduka looked well off the pace and Martins was a liability. Owen played through the centre and Zog on the other side and we'd look a bit more balanced. The strikers were a liability? lol, that's the first I've head of that today. Did you actually see the game? How much in terms of service did they receive? Your earlier comment was spot on, as was johnnypd's... 3 Makelele's don't win you games or create opportunities for flatfooted strikers to score with. No, I said Martins was a liability and Viduka was off the pace. Are you mental?

Don't forget your "miserable bastard" card. I'll be miserable if our performance matches Bolton 2nd half. I'm fucking miserable! You're always miserable. No one cares.

Did we really have the lion's share of posession? Seemed to me like gave the ball away far too often to have really controlled the match. FWIW, I thought Villa were the better team attacking and defending. Our ball retention was horrendous and our main issue today.

agree. personally i don't think any of our midfielders were awful, just that they're the same type of players doing similar jobs. chelsea would be shit if they had three makeleles in midfield too. Aye, there's some truth in that. I don't think they were helped by the players in front of them (Milner aside). Viduka looked well off the pace and Martins was a liability. Owen played through the centre and Zog on the other side and we'd look a bit more balanced.

Teaching Martins to pass would help, I reckon. I'm not sure we can afford the luxury of a player who can only shoot.

I think Big Sam needs to educate the fans as much as he needs to the players. Expectations are too high: the club's been in the fucking mire for four years now and there's no instant fix. Fans need to lay off the players. Saying Player X is a load of shite after one match with a new system and several new team-mates is out of order. EVERYONE: FUCKING RELAX! Anyway, that Alan Smith's shite, innee?

Surprised how negative people are being about Butt. Thought he did well, tbh. Milner motm, but I don't think Nicky was that far behind, tbh.

Roeder did the thing with mic, didn't he?

Destined to be the greatest player of all time, imho.

He won't get on the pitch, just good to get him involved in the England senior setup.

What? Shorts and socks, an aal?!

Oh, at least. Probably closer to 3637323049 million pounds.

Why hasn't this thread been renamed 'The Goldfish Bowl'?