Beren

Damn you Bayern.

Gotze 1-0 Dortmund

How's the Bayern-Dortmund game going?

A degree of sympathy for Demba Ba today, I thought the pressure seemed to get to him, and he seemed frustrated by the end. Very difficult job though. Had to wait about 30 minutes for a chance, so it was predictable he'd snatch at it a little bit.

Cheating if you vote now.

Gutted I didn't bet on a goalless game between Sunderland-Fulham. It was so very predictable, but I bitched out. Bad Beren.

Don't buy into the 'pressure off' thing to be honest. See it more as halted momentum and possibly some of the wind/confidence knocked out of our sails. I like the positive thinking though! I do agree that it presents an opportunity for us to change, and as has been said I think phasing out Raylor for Santon is inevitable - and this will form part of the path that leads to that. As mentioned, been very grateful for Raylor and he's overperformed but this isn't his first poor performance, just the first time it's cost us. On a bittersweet note, it's a new chapter for us with HBA IMO. That was the first top class performance from him and while it's sad it began with a loss for the team, it might eventually lead us to a new level with HBA given a starting berth and Santon enabling us to play better football from the back.

A bright note: exceeded expectations.

Liverpool tbh. Edit: They have that Luis Enrique fella, don't they?

Still got the joint-best defence in the league, you big-spending bells! For one more week, anyway.

poidh http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy243/bobbydazzla/IMG_3628.jpg http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy243/bobbydazzla/310780_10150384950641033_503351032_8540351_360973208_n.jpg Well he showed you.

Good job today. Smart to get the seemingly obligatory appearances of Lovenkrands and Perch out the way. Quite funny that we ended the game at the Etihad with those two on the field and won 1-0 in that period Big decisions for next week.

Shit.

Big miss today (d'uh). Always seems to have a great game against big sides.

Truthfully, very fearful of Ashley Young or Nani on the left against Simpson. Don't trust Obertan/Sammy defensively yet and Guthrie's workrate and calmness in possession continues to impress(/improve?). Would rather we focus our attacking play down the left and through the centre. [/iMO]

Priority for me is not conceding early. If we're chasing, we're done for IMO. Krul Simpson Colo Saylor Santon Guthrie Tiote Cabaye Jonas Ben Arfa Best ...is what I want to see. Expect Ba, Obertan and Raylor to start ahead of HBA, Guthrie and Santon respectively.

Shiiit.

Just read the interim BBC precis and wrinkled my nose in disdain at their take. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/15704837.stm

Krul's kicking was horrendous today btw

Absolute class. He just ghosted past Kompany & co. That's the kind of footballing intimidation he earned throughout the match though. Felt very bad for him when he was subbed, and hope he is encouraged rather than downbeat after that performance.

We were clearly dominated today, but quite conceivably could have got something from the game. Hopefully Pardew can keep the confidence going. Interesting team selection choices ahead of the next game. Man Utd won't be as strong in CM, but will be arguably deadlier out wide. Shit.

Would love to see Ben Arfa paired up front with Best. Think they'd do very well together. Could be the ACoN before that happens though.

Think Santon should come in for Raylor. Not because of today's match, but just for us to try and progress to the next level. No ill will towards Raylor. As has been mentioned, being bombarded as we were those mistakes could have happened to any one of our defenders - but he was certainly the most susceptible to them. In possession he was also the poorest. Nothing in malicious in saying that IMO.

Last bet to survive - almost as expected. Would have hoped Stoke to get the win but as I've said here, I always thought there'd be a chance of QPR getting something from that game. Man U win please now. Same old story for you, eh! Hoping the devil saves your bacon!