Sifu

Difficult choice. They were both absolutely magical goals but if I have to choose one, I'd go for the Blackburn goal. My main reasons being that he took more players out (ran past more players that is) with his trickery/close control and he also unleashed the thunderbastard shot that time too. Close call though, really loved today's goal.

Chrissy H

Another RTG meltdown? Nice

26 points from Cabaye (6), Ben Arfa (8) and captain Cissé (12). Nice.

Amazing goal. Amazing player. Absolutely magical (very Messi-esque goal, there I said it!). (Plus he's smiling! )

He has two weeks now to get himself mentally and physically prepared. Once he gets his goal, he'll be fine.

Was very disappointed with Ba's reaction today. There was no need for that but I think that it was just the case of him being frustrated with himself/his general situation atm. He hasn't scored a goal since the Villa game and when a striker goes through a long period without scoring any goals, he will inevitably lose a bit of confidence and that will ultimately lead to frustration. I do believe that what happened today was just simply a heat of a moment thing - he didn't play well today, he looked knackered and he didn't really look threatening. I honestly think that he was just frustrated with himself and just wanted to stay on the pitch just so that he could somehow nick a goal. Pardew will probably have a private word with him and that'll be that. sicko2ndbest

Fantastic result. Admittedly we were below par in the first half. We had no sense of urgency and we were very flat (down to tiredness maybe?). Bolton were slightly better and their gameplan did work in the first half - I also thought they started the second half very well (better than us anyway). For 70 minutes, Bolton were probably the better team but that moment of magic from Ben Arfa () completely changed the game. After his goal, I thought we became very comfortable - it really became a matter of seeing the game out. Cissé's goal was nice and simple and finished the game off nicely. Level on points with Spurs, oh my

I've just been subjected to a mini-feature about Phil Brown. Urgh.

That's the only logical explanation.

Tbf though, Paxton seemed decent. His views about Cattermole are about the same as every other mackem (my mackem mates included). Their views are blinded by the red and white loyalty so they can't really see the shit player Cattermole really is. The (wannabe) "hardman" image is what sways their views imo.

Just caught up with the thread Well played, TT, well played

Ba hat trick today tbh. Howay Demba!

Thought he was a bit of a laugh in the past but nowadays, really think he's a twat. If he continues being like this on and off the pitch, he's simply not going to be a great player. Needs to buck up his ideas soon otherwise he'll probably waste his talent. Though I guess he still has time to mature, he's still only 21 after all. Who knows, maybe he'll properly fulfill his talent with the right manager. Mancini doesn't seem to be the best man manager so is probably not the man to offer Balotelli the right guidance.

Great lineup. Fantastic to see Colo back!

Piers Morgan is at it again. This time, it's a war of words between him and Nasri.

That would be amazing if it's true.

Definitely this. Was a much better competition under this format.

Would love to see Hughton back in the PL. He's been doing a brilliant job at Birmingham and if he can get them promoted this season, that would be a fantastic achievement. It would be great to see him back at St. James' Park.

Martin would be a good signing - from what I've seen, he is a neat looking player. Would fit in well in a midfield three imo.

I agree with that but the 3 we've had haven't exactly been the best posters: Wireside - Epic meltdown and major bell end. Randy Savage - Schizophrenic who had one personality on here and another on RTG. f***ed off on his own accord. Paxton - Posts libellous comments about our ex-players. Wasn't there another one, who claimed to be a mag but was found out within minutes? Super_Hans iirc.

"You Only Live Once" was the message on Balotelli's shirt. (well according to Colin Murray anyway).

Ramsey

Nice trolling tbh.

Reminds me of the Graveson challenge on Bernard in 2003. Disgraceful from Balotelli.