Cronky

In the lead up to Southampton's equaliser, he made a very half-hearted challenge for a 50-50 ball. Basically, he was scared of getting hurt. Okay, it didn't directly lead to the goal, but it was a chance to stop their attack and launch a break, and he didn't take it. There are just too many moments like that from this player.

Pleasantly surprised that he's felt able to pitch Colo and Mbemba together at centre back. Unpleasantly surprised that he's gone for Obertan. Hopefully we can keep it to 0-0 until we get the subs on.

1. The European Cup and UEFA Cup has always had teams from all countries who had functioning leagues. 2. They play each other in qualifiers, 2-3 rounds before English teams have to join (unless they are in via fair play wildcard). I mean, the rest of the post was also terrible, but this was notably bad. Tell me about all the other terrible things I said. I value your expert feedback.

Almost every manager says it, I can't see what the big deal is. You clearly have much less time to prepare. We're now seeing club sides from the likes of Andorra and Gibraltar getting involved. It's ridiculous. The overblown first part is designed as a pay day for smaller clubs. If you get through that, you're joined by teams from the Champions League who usually end up knocking you out. Given how competitive the Premiership is, there's no way you can travel to and from some (often distant) European venue for a Thursday evening game and be in the same shape on Sunday as a team that's had a free week. It's not so noticeable with Champions League teams, because they're usually significantly better than the teams they play at the weekend. For the likes of us, it's a problem.

From the usual video clips, he looked quite good. Certainly not short of confidence.

Near genius. The Wenger-Mourinho frame is great.

Yep, the only positive is how tough our start is meaning it won't take long for fans to be on his or Ashley's back when the inevitable happens. It sounds like you're looking forward to it. Barmy.

I agree. He plays fairly cautiously when going forward, but there's more to come from him once he gains more confidence and experience.

He looks jolly good to me. Throw in Sissoko to clinch the deal.

Yeah, they could do with having a bit of time in a preseason friendly match or something of that ilk. You've missed the point. If you have a player that's barely had any chance to play with any of his team mates, do you put him into the more exposed position of centre back, or do you give him the simpler and less vulnerable role of a full back?

I thought Mbemba did well at right back. McClaren probably felt it would have been a bit unfair on him to pitch him in at CB, with no chance to develop any prior understanding with Taylor or Willo. Wijnaldum was outstanding. Anita shows some decent touches, but I don't think he's up to the job of protecting the back four.

Still a month to go. Three quality signings in already. It could be worse, no?

Can't speak for everyone, but I imagine that people are questioning the wisdom of an Anti-Ashley gesture at a particular time when maybe there should be a truce? At least until the end of the transfer window?

Good analysis, if I may say. I'm not sure how the attack will shape up, but even without any new signings, we do have some options. We've got to cut out shipping goals. Another CB to partner Mbemba would make a big difference, but the back four need some protection and I don't think either Tiote or Anita have the all-round quality to fill that role. One can't pass, the other can't tackle. I assume that the 'S' in WBS means 'satisifed' rather than 'sorry'. Google wasn't much help to me there.

Mbemba looks like a very good addition, but we could do with bringing in another CB as a priority. That would make a big difference. If you're secure at the back, it frees up the rest of the team, mentally as much as anything.

Video was impressive. He's got some leap on him.

Never quite been able to make my mind up about Carrick. I think the point made before - that playing for Man U and playing for us are different challenges - is very valid and the player might get found out. If it's true, it's an interesting departure from the usual policy of avoiding players at the end of their careers. That always needed a bit of flexibility. I wonder whether Carrick might fancy the move. It's a chance, at the end of his career, to play for his hometown club, and if he feels that we're about to make some progress, you can see the attraction. And with the arrival of Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger, his chances are going to be limited at Man U.

http://www.steveperryman.com/playingprofile.htm Quote from the above - 'Steve's versatility saw him play not only in midfield, but in a central defensive role, sweeper and finally at right back.' Give up guys. You're gonna lose.

Paul Parker initially made his name as a sweeper at QPR but was better known as a right back at Man United and for England. He was never really a traditional centre back. He autographed my programme outside Loftus Road the day Gazza got sent off for us around 1987ish and 5' 7" is pushing it a bit, he was tiny! I seem to remember that Fenwick was the sweeper, and Parker was one of the markers. Either way, he could beat opponents in the air who were far taller. The other one I can remember was Steve Perryman, who played at CB for Spurs in the early 80s. He was a similar height, but could still challenge well in the air, and he had the advantage of nimble movement on the ground, which he shared with Parker. Steve Perryman was a full back and in his younger days, a midfielder, never a centre half. He wore the 6 shirt which is possibly confusing you. I am 100000000% sure I am right about this. Perryman started off in central midfield, but in the last few years of his career played at centre back for Spurs. And very well too.

Paul Parker initially made his name as a sweeper at QPR but was better known as a right back at Man United and for England. He was never really a traditional centre back. He autographed my programme outside Loftus Road the day Gazza got sent off for us around 1987ish and 5' 7" is pushing it a bit, he was tiny! I seem to remember that Fenwick was the sweeper, and Parker was one of the markers. Either way, he could beat opponents in the air who were far taller. The other one I can remember was Steve Perryman, who played at CB for Spurs in the early 80s. He was a similar height, but could still challenge well in the air, and he had the advantage of nimble movement on the ground, which he shared with Parker.

Going further back, I can remember Paul Parker being an effective central defender at 5'7". Some players have an abnormally good leap on them.

He does show some ability, but I think he's just too small to be a defender at this level. He either needs to be pushed into the midfield, or move to a different league.

We've spent a bit more money than last year, but to me it's just the same as we've bought a few foreign blokes I've never heard of same as last year. I didn't know Cabella, Riviere or Ayoze and only Ayoze could really be considered a success. Obviously Janmaat I'd seen at the World Cup. I've never heard of the 3 kids we've signed this summer either. I'd say these three are a class above last year's buys, and do indicate a change in policy. How big a change (ie how many more signings), and whether it'll be the same every year, we don't know. But it does look like Ashley meant what he said.

We seem to be concentrating on strengthening the spine of the team, which I'd say is right, with a new striker, CM and (hopefully) CB. Another one of each would be just dandy.

My worry with Sissoko is that if McClaren is seeking to get us playing in the way that he did with Derby, with a quick passing game through the midfield, that might not suit Sissoko, who's not that technical. His main assets are his strong running and ability to take the ball past people.