Unbelievable

How would he know what Villareal would ask?

Ah ok, sorry..

Won't it mean Croatia will need/want to win the Wednessday match though..? Would be better for England if Croatia was already qualified surely?

Harry will be livid..

Italy score in extra time.

Scotland miss an empty net.. McFadden..

See, people always say this, but surely there is no basis for this in the two and a half seasons he has been with us now? I really feel that when played and supposedly fit Owen hasn't shown to be a class above Martins at all. A lot of the people who rate him as a top quality player (and Martins as a rough diamond) are living in the past. Owen's contribution over his time here has been very, very poor, even when he's played. In fact, I'd compare the situation to Luque who was also regarded a top quality player before he came here. He also was hampered by loads of injuries and never showed his supposed class for us when he was on the pitch. The only difference seems to be the perception of quality; in most people's minds Luque was shit while Owen hasn't played well for us but that is more due to our system and bad management rather than Owen's inherent class.. I think people need to smell the coffee: Owen's days as a top class player have long gone. We have been very unfortunate to buy him at the worst time possible and will take a huge loss on it (financially and performance-wise), but this is a bullet we have to bite: get rid and find somebody who can form a partnership with Martins, who not only currently contributes more to the team (as you correctly point out), but sadly is also a better player than Michael Owen Mk 2007.

Mackems looking the better team vs Man City.. Not very confident for the derby game at all.. They´ve condeded now.. That´s more like it!

It was in context! The boy has been piss poor all season. Just asked Baggio for a rating! Personally, I can't think of anyone deserving of a lower mark. Baggio could. What would you give him for his 'performances' this season? It wasn´t in context. Milner hadn´t been mentioned once and this thread is about the new signings, so not sure what Milner´s got to do with that.. Course it was. Smith got a one and Milner has been worse. Hence, I asked Baggio what he would have got. Baggio answered without a quibble! Good lord, Spottys lovers are getting tetchy now they have realised how s*** he is Thing is, you´re probably the only one who thinks Milner has been worse than Smith so far this season. Do you want everybody to ask Baggio what mark the player they dislike would have got? I will now stop being OT, it´s something I don´t like and there are unfortunately a few people on here who are experts in it..

It was in context! The boy has been piss poor all season. Just asked Baggio for a rating! Personally, I can't think of anyone deserving of a lower mark. Baggio could. What would you give him for his 'performances' this season? It wasn´t in context. Milner hadn´t been mentioned once and this thread is about the new signings, so not sure what Milner´s got to do with that..

Allardyce - 6 has strengthened the squad with a focus on the defence, something that was badly needed. The injury record of the club seems to have improved overall, which I'll give him some credit for. Tactically suspect so far however, seemingly unable to decide on a system and making too conservative choices in midfield (4 central midfielders, out of which 3 are defense-minded in a 4-4-2, 3 defensive midfielders in a 3-man midfield). We should have been higher up after the relatively easy start. Next weeks against better opposition could make or break him, but for now we need the stability so here's hoping the results and performances pick up quickly Beye - 5,5 an average start to his Newcastle career. Still adjusting to the pace of the Premiership of course. Disappointed by his attacking contribution so far.. Enrique - 6,5 solid, but not spectacular. Still young and adjusting. Our only left back with Babayaro seemingly permanently crocked, so here's hoping he stays fit.. Faye - 7 decent start. Providing us with some much needed physicality in central defence. Decent at set pieces too. Viduka - 6,5 has shown glimpses of what he can do and scored some important goals and shown some good technical skill (through balls etc). Unfortunately for us very injury prone. Barton - 5 injured in preseason, and on current evidence has been brought back in too early, because he has been very average for a player of his quality. Will hopefully come good, because we badly need an in-form Barton. Rozehnal - 7 good start and has settled quickly. Still a little concerned about his lack of physical presence, but so far so good. Cacapa - 6,5 made a good start, but definately seems a player who may be useable or not depending on the opposition strikeforce. A very natural, intelligent defencer but perhaps past his peek and his lack of pace makes him a liability against strong, pacy strikers.. Smith - 5 did not understand this signing and haven´t seen much to suggest I was wrong. Adds nothing in midfield and is just average in forward positions. Hard working, but an absolute lack of creativity, plus he´s a liability with his (late) tackling. A ridiculous amount of bookings already, and a sending off seems just around the corner whenever he plays. Geremi - 6 a decent start, and I think he would do better more centrally (Butt´s current position). Disappointed with his set plays, which is supposedly something he was once good at..

We've played the easy games, some tough ones coming up. We are in midtable and playing badly. Seems like the honneymoon period is definately over..

1-0 Spurs..

Very worrying indeed..

This is so ridiculous it's almost funny.. We're hard to beat at home, supposedly...

what the hell is this? 2-0 already?!

2-2 FT. Good match!

2-2 Walcott, correction: Gallas..

Evra almost scored a great own goal..

2-1 Ronaldo. Good goal..

great free kick position. Van Persie would have relished this..

1-1 Fabregas

Oh bugger.. What was the goalkeeper doing there.. Have to hand it to them though.. Edit: deflection. Not much Almunia could do tbf..

Howard Webb is Man U's 12th man..

Close, very close..