Beren

Papering over the cracks for me! *tin hat* After a nightmarish pre-season, we've got two fantastic results. Another massive plus is two consecutive clean sheets. However we haven't looked insanely threatening in open play and don't look to have much cutting edge in the final third. It's all "ifs and buts" but if the results in the performances in the opening two games had yielded losses (so basically, same performance, different result), I think people would be a lot more concerned about our squad/direction than they currently are. Weighing that off against a shambolic pre-season, it's difficult to assess whether the performances will improve with increasing fitness, the refinement of Pardew's strategies and more understanding between new players like Cabaye and the rest of the team - or if the problem isn't one that time/tinkering will fix. I'm inclined to believe that we'll struggle long-term with the squad in its present condition though.

Whatever man. If you honestly believe Ba has looked anywhere near fit then there is no more for us to talk about! Also, it's not ludicrous to put in someone of lower quality if he's fitter than his team mate. Might as well have started Shearer up front yesterday under that logic. [Forgive the exaggeration, but I hope you see the underlying truth to starting someone who is sharp/playing well over someone who isn't sharp/not playing well even if the second person is a better player on their day]. My parting shot would be that (most of) Shola's biggest enemies on here recognised he was up for it yesterday and put in a good performance. Justified his spot IMO. If Ba tears it up in training like a ferret on acid this coming week, then great - start him.

Yes, but everyone else in the first team has come on since those games and got their fitness up. I don't say this to be critical of Demba Ba or write him off in any way. So just to clarify - we're talking about fitness and sharpness. Everyone else has demonstrated that (at least to some degree). I'm sure Ba will be fine, he just hasn't shown it on the pitch yet (or presumably to Pardew in training). Seems like you're arguing for the sake of it.

Erm, Kansas? Columbus Crew? Leeds?

Stoke concede from set piece. Problem?

FUCKING love gas man episode. GAS MAN! GAS MAN! GAS MAN!

Yeah, stuck him in this week after his performance against Citeh. Be surprised if he stays at Swansea for more than a season. Got him or Mignolet as my options for next week. Think I'll put Mignolet in - Sunderland generally react well to derby losses. Edit: If Mignolet keeps the shirt, that is.

Mainly because of Neil like. Maybe we can adopt him? EVERTOON MAG! We will begrudgingly accept Leighton Baines (minus the wages he is on, which will still be fitted by Everton) and Neil (whose negative-wages we will accept). That will be the full extent of the merger.

Man, just when I was beginning to like you guys...

What happened yesterday against QPR, Neil. Only listened to it on the radio - bit of a shocker. I was annoyed Saha was on the bench (for FF reasons). Though I had forgotten just how bloomin' old he is until a commentator mentioned it. Time sure has flown by. Same old early-season Everton, I assume, lack of cutting edge/killer instinct?

Loved it when Adebayor's phone went off during his punditry.

If you're in bad form in the present, you're in bad form. Nothing to do with your past record.

So far being a unfortunate pre-season and 45 minutes of the season? Yes. Not saying he's finished/permanently shite. Just that I'd prefer to ease him into things/not start him up front by himself in a derby while he's off the pace. Misuse of the '' smiley, tbh.

What's that got to do with anything? Vuckic outperformed his older contemporaries in pre-season.

They have plenty of people who're capable of running things from the middle..The problem is that they do not have wide play..Everything goes through the middle..That usually works against weaker teams, but when up against strong defensive teams they run into trouble..Arsenal did exactly the same mistake against us, Nah. Bow-swinger and Cole have been in the final third for most of the game. Had plenty of wide play. They're putting balls in like they have Oliver Bierhoff, Les Ferdinand and Shearer in the box.. they actually just have Torres. Need to play the ball into the strikers feet when out wide, otherwise WBA will mop up the crosses all day long.

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=619534 One of their best players today IMO. Can a WUM start a thread title saying "Can't wait until SJP" Just to start the cycle all over again, and all.

Tamas. Such a twat.

Fucking hell Alex.

Bent got a goal Yay. Would have been my captain, had Saha not been brought on for 15 minutes.

Where do you get this s***, man? What now, Ronaldo?

Vorm saves penalty.

The main site could hacked a few times too IIRC. Writing was a thankless task too. No matter how you disclaim that you're not representative of anyone other than yourself, you'll still get stick for portraying fans incorrectly. Certainly see why you'd want it back though Decky . Pip's "Battle for 7th" thready is something pretty cool, IMO, and in another day and age of N-O probably would have been a main page feature.

Can anyone confirm whether Liverpool's two late goals were offside? Would be typical spawny Liverpool.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14603189.stm What a cheeky opening question!

Oh, it's getting vicious now. Attacking RTG itself. It is shit, like. http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=619400