Zero

Shola is a better partner for Carroll than Nolan in terms of creating chances to score. However to us it is the opposite - Nolan / Carroll partnership is more effective in scoring for the team.

No wonder, Feb 2010.

Campbell is gone at the end of the season, and Kadar is totally unproven. That "new striker" money would be needer for a defender to replace Taylor. So you're looking at either a sub-standard cheap replacement (see Kadar, Perch, Simpson, R.Taylor), or a cheap new striker (see Lovenkrands, Best). I'd rather just tie the player down to a new contract and put all our funds into strengthening the first team. I'm sceptical about these wage demands, the club seem to have a brinkmanship and cavalier way of dealing which may pocket a few pennies but doesn't always put the club's interests first. Transfer listing Taylor was a perfect example, all outsiders thought it was strange and if anything lowers the value of the player. Really how often do you see clubs doing that? On the other hand, such kinda "do or die" policy is essential in making our deals a lot more sensible then before. Tiote and HBA would probably cost a double. I believe lots of ppl here will agree transfer-listing Taylor in order to force him signing a reasonable contract, even if resulting losing him, is better than signing a 40k + ppw contract with him. He's just a "capable" EPL defender and is no where near international standard, has been causing several troubles to the team and is not a club icon when he thinks he is. To me the risk is worth-taking, not for you I know.

Not really a good news. Sounds like Celtic has a chance to make the loan deal permanent. Or else they shouldn't turn down the chance to sign Given.

Ashley isn't that bad in doing the transfer. The problem was that he usually relies on the wrong person (i.e. Xisco). The transfer under the reign of Hughton is very impressive. HBA, Williamson and Tiote are great bargain, while Routledge did contribute a lot last year.

Cannot blame any parties there. The club has to protect its own assets. The FA desperately need a powerful striker to lead the line and to prevent Carroll from changing his mind and play for Scotland. Carroll has hoped for the debut for too long and he's willing to take the risk. We can only pray for no further injuries then.

If the choice is between Bothroyd and Kevin Davies, I'd prefer the latter

I think some players look very very tired, esp Nolan. Some fringe players should be played today.

I am quite impressed by the new scouting system implemented last few years to be honest. Is that developed by Jeff Vetere?

I think the decision delaying the contract renewal till New Year is fair. There're lots of doubters here 2 months ago as well, and a number of people wouldn't mind replacing Hughton if a "better" manager is available.

Ashley's gamble is a success. Minimum pay out last summer and a top half finish can guarantee a sales value of at least 200m. How much did he ask for one year ago?

He will be heavily involved once Barton got suspended/injured.

Hart is a better goalkeeper NOW, and he is still improving. I really see no reason playing Given unless Hart is having a slump. The only thing Given's better is his experience and, I don't agree but some may argue, his shot-stopping reflexes. Hart is better in all other aspects: aerial control, penalty saving, positioning, one on one, and communication with the defenders.

To me the question is Krul or Forster, not Krul or Harper. Harper may come back straight but it's obvious that he won't be starting goalkeeper next season.

He is not highly rated in Spain due to his lack of football intelligence. Physical strength isn't a necessitiy in La Liga as well.

My only concern is his foul rate. Yellow card seems to be a minimum charge each match.

I am not sure this time. While you may say Fergie will be finished very soon and Rooney is the future, the possibility that Rooney fails to recover his form permanently is relatively big as well. Rooney is a very emotional player in which his performance heavily relies on having a positive attitude - which he has kept very good since becoming a pro. This scandal will not end that soon (and probably never) and the media and the public may just go on and on. To make it worse, he has had a nightmare world cup and is one of the worst player for England. I don't think his mental strength is as strong as Beckham to be honest. Cash-in, even not in Glazier's perspective, could be the best option as I can see Inter, Real Madrid or even City are willing to pay 40m+ at January. However if he's not sold and the issue continues to drag on and on, his transfer value can down to like 15m or else no team will take him. His wages is a big issue nowadays - see how Barca fails to sell Ibrahimovic.

We tried it last season against shocking opposition - it didn't work offensively and left us exposed in defence. Moronic decision from Hughton. I know. To be fair playing Guthrie or Routledge on the right, to me, are indifferent. Both are moronic decisions. I'd rather play Ranger there, at least it worked against Chelsea.

I think Barton did ok today. Created a few chances for Carroll and battled hard. Nolan can be invisible for the whole 90 mins.

I dun blame him for playing Guthrie on the right. Routledge is fucking terrible. That said, we should either call back Kazenga or play Jonas on the right and give a chance to Shane Ferguson. He has been very impressive so far and definitely deserves a chance now.

Oh wait, why not give a chance to the youngsters then. At least they can improve. Sorry, no, I hope that's the last.

He can stay at club, but only play when we have SERIOUS INJURY CRISIS.

A bad fall? You're crazy. De Jong snaps his leg off, not the fall. I'm sure he didn't mean to break his leg, but he did mean to make a tough tackle and take out the player. Taking the ball would just be collateral damage. I don't know. As I say, I've looked at it quite a few times, and it's not obviously a horrible tackle for me. It's not a good tackle by any means, and should definitely have been a free kick/card, but I doubt anyone would have really noticed it if it wasn't for the injury. Hindu, that's why I said EPL really got some problem. You think it's not a "horrific" tackle. In fact I agree IF YOU ARE GETTING USED TO THESE KINDA TACKLE EVERY GAMES EVERY WEEK. The standard has gone way too far and the players simply got no protection. Get the point? We should think that tackle as a horrific one if it can result serious injuries. We didn't think so. THAT'S THE PROBLEM. I am not saying it's your fault, because we are watching these at least 5 times per match in EPL.

That's a "clean tackle" according to the EPL standards and that's what Wenger always complaining about. Arsenal are as soft as shite ah?

The subs are "debatable". I am fxxking upset by his half-time work instead. The team obviously got it mentally all wrong. It's like inviting and waiting for Stokes to equalise.