Ronaldo

What in the fuck?

Alright, take it easy. We've not kicked off yet.

We've got 'notions'. Not sure exactly what of.

He said he was very pleased with Sissoko too and wouldn't let him leave right at the end of the transfer window. A manager has to play a little liar's poker at times.

You're actually delusional beyond even vaguely normal internet man parameters, TRon. We've blatantly been trying to get him off the books for ages.

Has to be really. Gayle and Mitrovic won't both play and Gayle is no number 10. I know he's not a number 10 as a playmaker but he would work there as a second striker. Nah, Gayle plays on the shoulder. He should never be deeper than Mitrovic.

He doesn't really fit playing anywhere apart from attacking midfield, though. And Diame's probably far more Rafa's type for that role.

A year earlier was much worse. Losing to Marseilles then drawing at home to Wolves to fuck up CL qualification.

Aye, of course he did.

He was playing in Ben Arfa's place which probably didn't help his cause much. LW was never Ben Arfa's place. Certainly not under Pardew.

He's so good, like. True Premier League quality.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01384/Ken-Barlow_1384082c.jpg

What happened?

I've been in meetings all afternoon, how have the full backs done tonight, surely that's a better pairing than the one that started the last couple of games ? Lazaar had an awful first half. Yedlin has been canny, according to comms. Oh no, had high hopes for Lazaar and anything is better than Dummet, hopefully just nerves. I don't know how people can still come out with rubbish like this, mind. He's obviously going to be Rafa's first choice this season.

I do think we'll struggle to score goals when sides sit back, like. When we are given space we'll murder everyone, obvs.

Lord Mayor's show ffs. I'm tempted just to give up football on nights like this.

The sheikh.

A CB needs to be good in the air in the PL, like. It was certainly a priority here under Bobby and KK.

Ancelotti said in his most recent book that there'll always be a place for Clement in his coaching family. It works, why change it?

I don't think there's much in it. Both have weaknesses and lots to learn. I have very little doubt Lascelles will go on to have a better career, mind.

He was a physical and technical colossus with a football brain and a massive desire to be the best. I don't think any of us will see a better striker.

It sounded like a friendly game, like. Absolutely no atmosphere whatsoever.