Parsley

Happy 75th Sir Bob

Shocking from Arsenal tbh, looked toothless and very susceptible at the back throughout. I think the match goes to show the kind of depth that Arsenal lack in their squad - too reliant on overrated youngsters who lack the experience and footballing brain to shine against the bigger teams compared to that of Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool. Wenger better hope he has the Premiership or the Champions' League in the bag or I can see these gambits in the cups coming back to send him out of a job.

Err, why would a regular in the Spanish national team who is constantly linked with a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid a) join Newcastle and b) cost less than Michael Carrick? Thought he'd be cheaper as a) Carrick's English and b) Carrick's a regular at United whereas the same can't be said about Alonso. But you're probably right about the other point.

Appiah would be a good signing imo - think his strength could be a real asset if partnered with the right midfielder.

Xabi Alonso maybe worth a go? Seems to be out of favour at Liverpool (unless he's injured and I'm sorely mistaken) and would probably be a cheaper alternative to signing the likes of Carrick. Nolan is no improvement on Barton imo and I personally don't rate Gudjohnson - see him as more of a grafter type player and I don't think that's what we need. Diop or maybe Muntari would be just what we need along with a playmaker in the middle of the field. SWP's not realistic imo being a Chelsea regular but Bentley on the other hand I can see leaving with the right price, around £10-15 mill. I'm not sure about buying a new target man as I think Owen and Martins should both be given a go up front where they haven't really been seen together first.

Defensively no but I thought we passed it quite well at points today.

You can't base anything on only a few games and while he was pants today, who wasn't? Was our best player against Boro last week imo and as olliemort I'd like to see how he and Emre do in the centre of midfield.

I don't understand how posts like this are supposed to help. No-one needs reminding that we're not playing well at the moment.

Some people need to get their heads out of their arses tbh; Keegan's not a fucking miracle worker and a loss, albeit a tad steep, to Villa on their turf is by no fucking means the end of world. Seriously grow some balls.

Martins and Zog hopefully back next game at least.

It's Villa away ffs, were you really expecting a win? On the other hand, if Smith and Butt start next game I will be seriously worried.

That Barnetta looks quality.

I thought he was a Czech national? It just says "Sisi, 53". :lol:

Bargain

Aye I thought the Aliadiere decision was debatable when it was shown on Sky but he was clearly off on MotD. Only good decision that green tosser made all game though.

I'd take yours and add Cacapa, Barton and Emre.

Penalty to Nigeria.

Asamoah Gyan just hit the post. Great effort as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/7220282.stm Supposedly Stephen Appiah could be looking for a new club...could be well worth a punt if a strong DM is what we're after.

Nigeria v Ghana just kicked off.

Nope, I thought he was our best player today.

Aside from not having a striker who can actually score goals, Boro really are a team superior to us in every aspect. (Well, maybe not Schwarzer. Worst goalie in the Premiership IMO) Any one of Wheater, Huth, Rochemback, Arca, Downing would walk straight into our team. Arca would have been a canny winter buy, actually. Downing and Arca were quality today.

Martins should be back for next week at least - can't see Nigeria beating Ghana. As for the match, fucking cunted off in all honesty. Boro were well worth their point but with Dong obstructing Carr that goal should NEVER have stood. Thought Barton had a good game at least - PLEASE play him or Faye instead of Butt ffs.

David Batty?

I could have sworn Barton was a DM?