Sifu

Was a very costly day. After seeing Bellamy tear his hamstring and seeing Woodgate limp off, I knew in the back of my mind that we were really going to struggle against Marseille.

I don't really rate Alex He has a great shot on him but defensively he's a bit meh.

I concur.

Alan Hansen's at it....

Definitely hit me today at St. James'. RIP Speedo.

Think I would honestly start Kadar and Perch at CB

Puts Hernandez in, gets injured and is out for at least 4 weeks ()

And fell over 5000 times True.

To bring up his confidence a bit really.

Heskey's played 500 PL games

Ah feck off Harry

Definitely missed his defensive work, ball retention and workrate today. Thank fuck he's back next week.

Was poor today imo. Didn't really do much in the first half for me. Having said that, I would have kept him on for the second half tbh. By giving him say another 15 minutes or so, he could have very well produced something out of nothing (and if he did nowt in that period, would have brought Shola on then). Like some have said, he needs a few games on the wing.

A CB should definitely be top of the wishlist. The lack of quality depth we have there has certainly been of concern since the season started. Our worst fears of losing both Coloccini and Saylor have come to life today - should be a massive indicator to Pardew that a CB is needed! I dread to think what our defence will be against Norwich next week.

Stelling

Seriously should be starting games by now. Time to ease him in (or even better, start him!).

Absolutely gutted for the lad. He has been one of main reasons why our defence has been so solid so far this season. He'll be a massive miss. Williamson is more than good cover for Taylor though. The sooner Willo is fit, the better really. Get well soon Steven.

Our MOTM today. Solid as always, that penalty save was great.

I don't understand your last sentence, but I very much agree with the sentiment of your third. I'll take a couple of defeats over the next couple of weeks gladly if it gives him sufficient time to actually recuperate, and not risk sustaining a longer term injury to make up for the short-sightedness of Ashley/Llambias/Pardew. Hmmm yeah, my last sentence doesn't make much sense Said that to reassure myself that the injury wasn't too serious, missed Toontastic's post above about a thigh injury being confirmed by Pardew.

Guthrie was one of our better players today I thought. It's good to see him being consistent performance-wise. Long may it continue while he's in the side. As harsh as it is though, I'd bring Tiote back in. Him and Cabaye in the middle today was probably one of the reasons why Mata and Lampard struggled today.

So fucking frustrating today. His end product was terrible. Was he shit scared of Ashley Cole? A few decent forward runs but nothing came out of them.

Did decent enough today, a few decent forward runs. Much better than expected but the lack of protection for Raylor was very evident from the amount of space Sturridge kept getting.

A draw would be very nice here. Norwich have done well at home recently and they do play some decent football. Will be a close game I think (especially with the lack of Colo and Saylor).

Can't believe Luiz wasn't sent off today. Mike Dean completely bottled it. Prick.

Pitiful in the first half. Sturridge completely raped him. Slightly better in the second half though. But like I've said before, time to ease him out and ease Santon in.