AyeDubbleYoo

Going to be a tough game without Taylor and Colo, but you could say that about any fixture.

Think it's a bit harsh to say he hasn't improved much after a third of one season. He hasn't, but how much improvement should be expected? TBH I just want him to do well, and I think he can. Chelsea was his worst game for ages, but prior to that I didn't think he was looking too bad. He maybe had some sort of mental block about taking on Ashley Cole... maybe he had decided that he couldn't breeze past him. Still not going to write the lad off, he's very young and he theoretically has the attributes to succeed.

I agree with your first paragraph, he contributed pretty well. On the second one though, we lost the game 0-3, so I don't think you can argue that leaving Ryan Taylor exposed is better than protecting him. I think everyone agrees that we should have a LB that doesn't need protection, that's obvious. But we don't.

Ha, exactly the same. He hasn't had a clean sheet for a while mind, and he might not be due any more for a while either.

Noticed the new name on the red button pages today, fucking awful.

Yep, something big must have happened. For the sake of his family, lets hope it stays a secret. Call me selfish but I'd like to know what's gone on. In fact, I need to know what's gone on. Millions have been affected by this, and as Martin Luther said, 'peace if possible, truth at all costs'. The only important people who have been affected are speed's family and friends. if they want privacy then they should have it. If the truth is ever found out, it will become public. Can't see any way around that.

He's not Mata though.

Not sure it's as simple as that though. We want him to unlock defences, what if he's giving the average pass too often and misses the chance to develop the play and make the killer one?

Nolan can't bear to look.

Do we not have some 6' 4" lad in the youth team or reserves we can promote? Surely these situations are what those teams are for?

Been saying all summer we have gone backwards if he's not replaced. People said he never played so not gonna be missed. How we could have done with some experienced cover now.. We do need experienced cover, as long as that experienced cover isn't 20 stone and with the turning circle of the titanic.

He only saved a penalty and about four one-on-ones man, must do better.

If he's got the attitude and application of Shola, but with a little bit more genuine ability, he'll go far.

The pessimism on here gets a bit much sometimes.

Same, it's mental. We should also remind ourselves a lot how well we're still doing.

I thought this as well. It comparable to "so and so was sold after being injured so this player is going too" argument. Pointless and a bit annoying.

Righto, you might be right. I'm not convinced it will help more than games in his current position, but you could argue it would be better for the team. I'm not sure about that either, but I can see why some people might think it.

Why does he need games on the wing?

I would put a CB and maybe even a fullback top of our list at the moment, even if it means making do with the strikers we have.

Wish that shot had gone in for him, the stuff of dreams.

Have to agree like, if we have to put that defence out for any length of time I'll be shitting myself.

Whatever the combinations and situations, a left side of Loven and Raylor was always going to get exposed repeatedly by Chelsea. Their players are too good not to take advantage of two average players, both playing out of position.

Doesn't help much when you (and others) call him world class, like. Wow, how pointless and irrelevant. FWIW my opinion is that he's capable of world class play, but I don't expect him to produce it straight away gainst the best teams in the league.

Thought Sammy played pretty well when he came on. A few good runs and very nearly scored.