Cronky

Yes, it's only 9 games, but in those 9 games he's more than held his own against top opponents. He is our best young player since Gazza, and it's impossible to put a value on him now.

It's heartening to know that our high opinion of his lad is justified, with these top 6 clubs beginning to circle. From Longstaff's point of view, there's no point in him leaving now in order to be a squad player at Man U or Spurs. Those clubs are trying to grab him, from the long-term viewpoint. But it looks like we've only got a year or two to convince him that his career can kick on by staying put.

It's hard to see how this is going to get resolved. It's not as though each party was unaware of the other's basic position before the meetings started. I suspect that Rafa has a genuine vision whereby if there is investment that brings the squad up to, say, a Leicester / Everton like level, he would be able to over achieve from then on. With the crowd behind the team at home, and Rafa's ability to organise a defensive performance away, we could do very well. The stumbling block is probably this idea of a one-off investment which brings the squad to a certain point, and thereafter becomes self-sustaining. Generally speaking, that doesn't seem to work in the Premiership. Once you start spending, you usually have to continue spending to maintain position. It's difficult in practice to reach the kind of 'plateau' that the strategy suggests. What Rafa has to do is sell the idea that his idea is the exception, and that in the case of our particular club with him as the particular manager, it will all work. Rafa believes in it for sure. Ashley's view - and don't shoot the messenger - is that he saved the club from administration and financial collapse, and he's not willing to put any more of his own money in. Is he going to blink first? I've really no idea. Rafa's vision makes sense, but Ashley can be a very tough nut to crack.

Lousy game - I just hope we never end up in that division. Got to say, the Mackems were clearly the better side. Portsmouth were terrible.

Very pleased to see Villa win, from the Rondon viewpoint. Grealish was a class above everyone else. It'd be interesting to see how he does in a good Premiership side. I'd definitely take a punt, but I think he'll have better offers. Abraham didn't impress at all. He looked clumsy at times and lacking in nous. Lousy penalty too.

Brighton had a terrible second half of the season. Another month and Cardiff would probably have overtaken them. You wonder if there were problems between the players that Hughton wasn't able to address. I suspect this is a job to avoid.

Ultimately, any partnership between Rafa and Ashley has to be based on trust. We can't have a situation where players won't sign unless Rafa signs, and Rafa won't sign until we bring players in. And I can't see how a commitment to spend x amount of money can be specified in Rafa's contract. The owner has to retain the ultimate say over finances. As others have said, Celtic are already as good as they can get. The only way is down. I can't see Rafa being attracted to that club.

Looks a talent. Yep, I'm in. Better than Atsu and Kenedy, that's for sure.

With the way that Ajax ran out of steam half way through the first leg, I thought that Spurs would still be in with a chance. And even when this game when into stoppage time, I had the feeling they'd score. Great also that even though Man City will probably win the treble, they're being thoroughly upstaged. Both teams are attack-minded, so it should be a great final.

If I remember right, he was sold on within weeks. He looked nervous and unhappy right from the start, like he wanted away from the moment he signed.

I'm pleased for the players. It looks like they've lost the league, but they deserve something from this season, for sure. And what a brilliant bit of thinking by Alexander-Arnold. He should be England's first choice right back. I don't care how young he is - he's too good to leave out.

Kompany wasn't closed down because his body language suggested that he didn't really want to shoot. But then if you give any player that much time and space to set themselves, there's always a chance they'd score like that. It looks all over now.

Colback was always going to struggle to win people over after that photo of him celebrating the 3-0 derby win. He was nowhere near the worst. Most disappointing I'd say was Nicky Butt. An England international with all those club medals behind him, and he looked very limited for us.

Or a Spanish club. He may fancy a move back for personal reasons. I can't see a bigger club here using him as anything but a squad player / impact sub. He's a canny finisher, but his all-round game has its weaknesses.

I think I understand your reasoning. I found it difficult to enjoy Leicester winning the league, because I was jealous. If Man City or Chelsea win it, I'm spared that 'it could have been us' feeling. Having said that, I feel exasperated by the amount of support that Man City are getting on this site. They've been caught cheating before, and it looks like they've been cheating again. If there's any hope of a club our size winning the league, the rules about Financial Fair Play have to be enforced, and suitable deterrents made (ie docking points, as when clubs go into administration) A club like Man City can't be allowed to kill off the competition by constantly pumping in money from outside the game, and cooking the books to hide it.

Lascelles fell over with the first goal, was drawn out to the wing for the second, and was beaten in the air comfortably for the third. I was never a defender myself, so maybe I'm being a bit harsh on him, but he still looks way short of England class to me. He has his good moments, but his positioning and decision-making often looks suspect.

I didn't mind Liverpool winning, but I don't like the way it happened. With that ridiculous dive.

He's definitely making more optimstic noises than previously. If I was in his position, I would think that the most encouraging development is the emergence of Longstaff. I know it's putting pressure on young shoulders, but this lad can solve a few problems for us, and we can build a decent team around him.

No worries! Honestly, I think I would have taken 0-1 beforehand. No Kane, no Son, Wanyama still working back from injury (and probably never going to be the player he was), Trippier out of form, Llorente up front. Everyone knackered. We’re not in anything like the shape or form we should be for any CL match let alone the semi-final and yet...and yet... It’s down to one game. We’ve got players who can pull this off, and we’re still in touch. I think 2-0 would have been game over, but if we can put some pressure on Ajax I genuinely think they may have issues. Yeah, I agree you're still in with a recognisable chance. You didn't play that well, but the confidence seemed to go from Ajax's passing game in the second half. Son gets goals, and if you can start from where you left off, you might just do it.

There was one bloke who I ended up standing near in the Gallowgate Corner most home games. Constantly yelled "Dillon, get off!!!", pretty much every time he touched the ball. Was moderately amusing the first time I heard it, but by about March, the novelty had worn off like That was my mate Neil, had a laugh like Basil Brush, hated Kevin Dillon with a passion. You could tell, swear Dillon heard him one time when he yelled as he was taking a corner 'kinell, can't believe someone else remembers this 30 years on There was someone similar in the a paddock, hated Dillon with a passion. Completely forgot he was the corner taker He also hated Stimson as well, gave him dogs abuse whenever he was taking a throw in. I seem to remember Ranson improving?? Or is that just my bad memory? I thought Ranson was okay. It was clear that he'd played at a higher level. Stimson looked poor from the start. Realistically, those two long periods in the Second Division round about the 80s did usher in a certain level of crapness beyond what has come before or since. Not only were we poor compared with other clubs, but the general standard of English football wasn't as good as it is now. The influx of foreign talent on and off the field has raised the standard all round. Back on subject, there's been a lot of mention of Andreas Andersson. I had the impression that there was a half-decent player somewhere in there, but he looked very nervous and couldn't cope with the pressure.

No way is it Joselu. Every now and then, he has done okay. My nominee is Frank Pingel. He just looked out of his depth, not only physically but mentally. He was a desperation buy from the Danish league when we were fighting relegation, and he didn't look like he could cope with the pressure. He used to wander around the pitch with a dazed expression, hoping the ball wouldn't go anywhere near him.

Not gonna matter anyway, city will win remaining games. City are favourites still, but Burnley away could be a bigger challenge than Man U. Burnley can be quite determined, and they'll have had an extra two days' rest. As for us, I can see us losing our last three games. Now we're safe, and with players out, I think we'll switch off like we did last season.

I agree. There's been far too much attention on him looking for his first goal. The attack in general looks far more effective with him and that's all we need.

Best striker of a long range shot in the Premiership.

Weaker teams being described as 'brave' when they defend and manage to hang on for a draw. 'Brave' is rushing into a burning building to save a child. Not defending your goal at football.