Pilko

Shamelessly upped. Played ninety minutes today, most of which in a defensive midfield capacity. Not bothered about that though, just good for fitness levels etc. We did win 2-0, so I can't have been that bad.

I agree.

still a 6.

Works his arse off and is neat and tidy, but rarely assists and scores even less often. Pretty similar iyam. You can see why Fergie starts him in a lot of away games - he's excellent at closing down a wing, he works his socks off and he's very reliable and tidy.

If we play with the same pace, endeavour and spirit we've shown today, there is no chance we'll be relegated.

Martins with a powerful shot there.

Smith wasn't too bad, not great mind you either.

Similar to Jonas - defensive winger with a great engine.

Geremi off, Lua on.

At least Hughton realises Carroll > Shola.

Carroll stripped and ready to go on.

Can't argue with any of that.

Come on!

Martins was close.

We never seem to manage to be anywhere in between either complacency or nervousness.

It's the hope that kills me.

Steven Taylor costs us again.

What, his leg? Or sent off?

van der Sar looks rattled

quality tackle steven taylor

Smith made a fucking excellent tackle after about 10 minutes, he's only played one bad pass and one bad tackle so far, which for his standards is about three miles above Pele on a good day.

Boro need the shit knocked out of them again. They were bound to fluke a win somehow, and plus they have an excellent record against Liverpool at the Riverside, it is certainly Liverpool's bogey ground.

I'd just like to say, regardless of the result against Man United (posting at HT now), Hughton has played this to perfection so far - trying to contain and then break with pace. You just know Kinnear would have gone 4-5-1 with Shola playing as a lone striker. Hughton isn't as stupid as some people say he is.

Rio booked as well.

S.Taylor only booked, thank god for that.