timeEd32

There's little rivalry between Villarreal and Valencia. Too little story between those two clubs. Heck, when Villarreal was first promoted and became a stable presence in La Liga, it was said Valencia and Villarreal were a "brotherhood", with loads of Valencia players going on loan there. Now, what's happened is that Valencia's fortunes have dwindled while Villarreal have become successful, so that kinda irks Valencia fans. But there isn't a deep rivalry there. If you ask a Valencia fan who are their rivals, he will say Madrid and Barcelona (while we don't give much of a s*** about them). There's also a small local rivalry with Levante, but this also has been hurt by the fact that they have rarely played in the same division. Thought they were bigger rivals. You think Benitez would manage Villareal if the situation was right? I don't think so at the moment. But that's mostly because he's said he wants to stay in England for a while; he reportedly was approached by Valencia before signing for you and turned them down. Yeah, I meant if removing all other factors would he manage Valencia's "rival." Regardless, despite the convenience of it being near his home, I cannot see him ever going to Everton given his relationship with Liverpool supporters.

There's little rivalry between Villarreal and Valencia. Too little story between those two clubs. Heck, when Villarreal was first promoted and became a stable presence in La Liga, it was said Valencia and Villarreal were a "brotherhood", with loads of Valencia players going on loan there. Now, what's happened is that Valencia's fortunes have dwindled while Villarreal have become successful, so that kinda irks Valencia fans. But there isn't a deep rivalry there. If you ask a Valencia fan who are their rivals, he will say Madrid and Barcelona (while we don't give much of a s*** about them). There's also a small local rivalry with Levante, but this also has been hurt by the fact that they have rarely played in the same division. Thought they were bigger rivals. You think Benitez would manage Villareal if the situation was right?

No chance he goes to Everton. Just like I'm fairly certain he'd never go to Villareal.

The fact Norwich and Sunderland have to play 3 games in a week to end the season should not be discounted. That will be physically and mentally draining.

Nah, Darlow saved two points for us. That's bigger than their point. This board would be on suicide watch if we had gotten a draw yesterday.

He can be a bit suspect on the ball within our half, which led to a lot of hoofs yesterday but can't complain otherwise.

Did you see Norwich and Southampton or is the revival limited to the last 3 games...........and we were as bad as I've seen us this season till Liverpool started to cruise. Look at how many save Darlow had to make with easy open shots from 20yds or so. We are better organised from dead balls but don't seem to be overall. why is our revival limited to 3 games when we're unbeaten in 4? Thats not helping as we were cack against Swansea for the most part. Don't get me wrong, we are at a part of the season and being where we are where results are more important than performances but I just don't see so far that Rafa, as much as I rate him, has made us more organised etc. If I had the inclination this could be proven terribly wrong with a series of pre and post Rafa gifs. Look at the way we settle into a formation when the opposition gets possession around midfield. Look at how we move as a unit out of the area after clearing a corner. Look at how we close wingers and fullbacks down fairly high up the pitch in a coordinated manner. Rafa would be the first to admit it's far from perfect. We lose focus at times, the nerves are evident, some lack application (Gini), and obviously most are not world beaters. But aside from having 11 players on the pitch who actually seem to care and put in effort, the main reason we've gone four unbeaten is the improved organization defensively.

Updated ESPN SPI relegation projections: 57% Sunderland (51% before today) 64% Newcastle (82%) 79% Norwich City (67%) What a difference a day makes.

So glad we don't have to rely on Arsenal anymore.

Still a poor result for them.

BOSS

Yup, people being way too negative now.

Imagine him managing us when we're not staring down the barrel of relegation with a whole summer to prepare and build the team his way. Fuck.

Outstanding today.

Can't possibly be more than a 6 now. 5 for me. We could still be safe before the final game if everything goes our way.

If Arsenal win today, we beat Villa, and Chelsea beat Sunderland it's going to start looking quite good for us. And none of that is crazy.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Less than 3 minutes. Fuuuuuck.

Goal, penalty, 6 subs, handbags.

Still 2 points gained if we hold on. Fuck them.

Good effort.

Longest 15 minutes ever coming up.

I'm not saying he missed on purpose, but he was not 100% committed to scoring that. You will not convince me otherwise.

TOWNSEND TOU PETENGED

Agreed. One of the best performances from him that I can remember.