Yorkie

@TRon @Andy ☝️

Nightmare.

Twice. LMAO.

Who've just scored. LOL.

But you are doing it yourself here Not sure I am? My original point was that there has been cases of people framing their judgement of Ramsey through an 'Elanga and Ramsey, what a collective waste of money' lens when, really, only one of those two players (might be) deserving of the label. For the record I'd judge them all individually. Elanga has been very disappointing on the whole but Ramsey has shown promise. The jury is still out on both of them though, Wissa too (though I've always been convinced he'd be a good signing).

Seen plenty of it, yep.

Absolutely. He's definitely been guilty by association with Elanga on here.

Echo the comments about him looking like just what we need. Not trying to dig Woltemade out with this observation but he doesn't score that goal in a month of Sundays. Wissa knew he wasn't going to connect with the cross itself and gambled on the keeper spilling it. Great instincts and a really well earned goal. Huge relief to see him looking so sharp. Enjoyed his smugface too.

No beef at all with bringing Targett back, though a bit of a shame for him. He'd probably be something like his old self if he played, given he's finally played consistently this season.

Thought it was a really encouraging performance from him. Did what he did well for Villa in the first half; nipping in and robbing the ball in the middle of the park to initiate attacks, and generally doing lots of positive actions. Made a good contribution to the goal too, finding Bruno whose efforts ultimately led to Miley forcing a save for the corner. Looking forward to seeing more of him and feel pretty sure he's going to be a good player for us.

He's such a fucking footballer, isn't he? It comes so naturally to him. Chuck him in and he floats, whenever he's playing. Just randomly turning up at RB and being great is no small achievement, and then to get the winner just proves how he truly belongs in the team.

Yep, and we'll be underdogs, which tends to suit us. At the very least we'll keep it close.

Fair enough. Chelsea would've been the preference but we lose just as much at Stamford Bridge as we do at the Etihad. There's seven games between now and the first leg. Let's just set what shape we're in then.

First time in the corner tonight and I absolutely loved being there and it's easily the best way to experience a match - standing up and bellowing away until I've got a headache. Wasn't blown away by the atmosphere but at least the vibe seemed positive, if quiet at times. Very little whinging, until Elanga had the temerity to play a backwards pass. I know he gets plenty of it around these parts but I need to kiss @Heron's arse again. The effort with the flags and then the effort to sing and sing and sing and sing. Fair fucking fucks, man. You were in my eyeline to my right and I did my best to match you until I started to feel unwell.

Absolutely buzzing with that, we deserved it so much and the mentality is intact. Fuck off Fulham. Pointless FC came for pens, surprise surprise. Nothing cunts LEWIS MILEY!!!!

Match thread

I don't think that's true, there's no fundamental quality issue imo. There's a fix within the squad but an addition or two would never hurt.

What about if it's close but we still win?

But his injury had absolutely nothing to do with his previous injuries.

Defending it without Isak would be absolutely immense. I'm desperate for us to win tonight. There will be seven games separating the first leg semi-final and what is hopefully the nadir against Sunderland. We could be a changed team by then.

Wish I could say the same!

Don't picture that ever happening for us unless we deliberately target less coveted players in the first place. Like Elanga I suppose.

Listened to his press conference this evening and for once I don't feel particularly comforted by what he's had to say. Not because I'm losing faith in him or disliked what he had to say - I think he spoke with great composure and professionalism as he always does - but I think he gave a bit of a peak behind the curtain and it doesn't sound like the happiest of camps. He obviously felt Bruno's comments needed dealing with, and other questions about (proportionate) disharmony weren't exactly batted away. That stuff about mentality was quite telling and sounded like a repeat of some home truths delivered to the players themselves. You get the impression there's a lot of angst throughout everyone at what feels like another false start/abrupt halt. It's a lot better than them not giving a fuck, I suppose. We're certainly in the choppiest waters since he's been here. It was always likely this season, just got to hope everyone holds their nerve and we come out the other side. Lose tomorrow and it'll feel like the wheels are coming off, certainly the season if not his tenure.

Enjoyed that, @Pilko! The matter of, by and large most games, being decided on fine margins is such a key point. We've just got to get back to scoring more (genius thought I know).

Fair enough. I'm not sure I went in so hard that it justified the dressing down I got in response but there you go!