S.S.R.

butt was making the forward runs (like when he first came here) geremi and smith were poor,how many balls did geremi play to n,zogbia ? We always seemed to hesitate when playing it to Zoggy. always waiting until the initiative was gone. Butt made those forward runs because presumably he was instructed to take on that role. He was actually less of a hindrance to us doing that, because he was losing possession with annoying regularity. Agree with PM below. Milner didn't have the beating of Melchiot, so why flog a dead horse? Was it a coincidence we got our goal from the right-hand side? What if Milner had been producing the same crosses as Oba's for more of the game?

Shows nerve to stick to your guns when the other team go down to ten men. Must be so tempting to sacrifice a defensive player for another forward, especially when you haven't broke the deadlock with nearly five minutes to go, and you've got a sub left. Butt was a liability though and wouldn't have been missed. Agree or disagree with his methods, but at least he does appear to have a plan.

Stemmed from his poor clearance aswell. Just remembered that. Completely forgot the build up to it.

Bramble caught daydreaming again? Should have been first to head that out, Imo.

N'Zogbia actually looked like a genuine left-back today, rather than a midfielder shoehorned in there. Looked really comfortable winning the ball back, with a eagerness to keep the ball in play, instead of panicking and hoofing it out. Built a good understanding with Caçapa. Milner had a poor game. Constantly struggled to get past Melchiot - and if he can't get past that clown, than gawd help him - all game, and his tendency to favour his good foot undermined his crossing today. Bit mystified with Allardyce's substitutions. Smith had a decent game - his balance of aggression/creativity was better today, although he still got booked. Maybe that influenced Sam's decision to sub him for Martins, instead of moving him in the middle and taking Butt off, who completely fell to bits after Kilbane was dismissed. Just imagine Smith being the extra man, instead of Butt's wasteful forays forward, where he matched his woeful attempt when through on goal against Barnsley with an almost identical attempt this afternoon. I know Sam likes the big man/little man combo, but bringing on the leaden-footed Ameobi instead of Martins annoyed a few people. Viduka was frustrating but much more mobile than usual. Helped by the Wigan defence playing a lot closer to goal than previous opponents. Didn't seem to have an awareness of where the defenders were, spurning the chance to simply turn round and head straight to goal, electing to dive into the path of defenders, although that did give him a chance to show his silky skills. Canny for a fat lad. But that chance where Smith was free in the box... ...f*cking hell. > Caç and Dave were as cool as ice. Taylor had a decent game. Was he really sparked out or was that more Emmy award winning acting for the young starlet? Owen is looking sharper and sharper every game. Doesn't look like a player who'll burn anyone for pace anymore, but he's still got something. Harper's kicking was an improvement on Given's, but why did he hesitate the throw the ball to the full-back? He kept stalling for no reason.

I don't know what looks more rock solid; that defence, or me contemplating it.

Every NUFC fan thinking "Bollocks, Arsenal" when the draw was made, unaware that back in London, Wenger probably thought "Merde, Allardyce".

Those free cup tickets were good while they lasted.

Gimme Gimme Gimme (a man after midnight) - Abba

you're You obviously get little kicks out of that!, What a sad life! not really no... just another way of staying amused amongst all this, seeing as you do it all the time. And what is the relevance? I used to chin clever c***s like you at school. Wow. You're my hero.

Not good enough for the Premiership, but hopefully he'll make a decent career at his true level.

Greg Halford - not because he signed for the Mackems, he just that awful.

Based on current form, Butt.

It's a trap!!11 Looks like Wesley Snipes trapped in a vice.

I was sent a receipt for the Barnsley game to show that I had the game added to my card. Wonder if they'll do that for every game.

The referee was hopeless. Missed umpteen handballs by both sides, regularly gave the wrong team the throw-in and gave corners for goal kicks. He let play continue when the ball virtually hit the advertising hoarding, and when we kicked the ball out of play for an injured Barnsley player, it took him five minutes to work out what came next. His best moment came when Smith blatantly pushed someone in the back, with no attempt to disguise it. The player fell to the ground, and the ball went out of play. Half expecting Smith to get booked, imagine my surprise when we were awarded the throw-in!

Doesn't help when some of our own so-called fans want to join in the mud slinging.

To be sung at the West Ham game (September) To the tune of "Okey Cokey" Oh, thanks for buying Dyer, Oh, broken Kieron Dyer, Oh, thanks for buying Dyer, Knee bent, Leg snapped, Ha Ha Ha!

Couple of replays? Post-match reaction from the managers? They needed the time to show Dyer's sickening leg break. By sickening I mean belly-achingly, eyes streamingly hilarious, you understand.

In all fairness, there wasn't much else for them to broadcast, unless they turned it into the Cacapa interception show.

Cacapa has got to be one the first names on the team sheet. Best defender at the club by a country mile. Enrique lacked a bit of sharpness. Legs were quick enough, but the brain wasn't, and was caught napping a few times. Played a few hospital balls. But he's young, and it's early days. Emre was garbage - but I'll put that down to fitness and lack of match practice. Wasting Smith in midfield - treating him like a workhorse, when he's obviously a thoroughbred. What's the point in playing him as a ball winner?

That's awful... ...I haven't got Sky Sports News.

Chris Mort-al Kombat!

I hope he walks with a permanent limp.