Pilko

The captain is meant to inspire, lead and give examples on the pitch. Nolan was rightly given the armband yesterday as he's looked every inch the captain this season, never mind Butt or Smith.

What did you think of last nights performance?

Had a great game last night.

He didn't lose a single header last night, and almost connected with a few corners. A very promising signing.

Last night Carroll was coming deeper, laying it off, linking the play... and so was Best. He seemed to be playing in the target man role alongside AC, and it was painfully obvious that we needed a Ranger or a Lovenkrands to compliment Carroll - CH changed it and we got two goals out of Lovenkrands. Best should have been making the runs but he was just as static as Carroll is.

Lads in the back row were doing it after about half an hour but no-one joined in.

I think CH will put Lovenkrands in for Best and leave it otherwise: Harper Simpson Hall Williamson van Aanholt Routledge Nolan Guthrie Gutierrez Lovenkrands Carroll Subs: Krul, Kadar, Ranger, Ameobi, Best, R.Taylor, Smith

I thought his all round game was good (and to be fair I was in the Gallowgate, so I only saw the fourth and fifth goals up close) but I didn't really see him actually trying to beat the fullback for pace until about 55 minutes in. He looks promising though, certainly Simpson looked better for having a natural right winger in front of him as you say. The ball for Loven's first was exquisite too.

Every single one of the new signings (with the exception of Best who was average) had a good game last night. Also, hopefully CH now sees what happens when he chooses a balanced line-up and mixes the play opposed to just twatting it to Carroll every time.

I would start Lovenkrands and Carroll in the next game, but long-term it'll always be Lovenkrands +1 for me. Whoever else is in form.

Me too, the fact both wore green boots didn't help. He didn't really do much apart from get harshly booked and miss an easy header. Prepared to give him time though, as it was his debut and nerves are understandable. Got a nice ovation from the Gallowgate when he went off.

Looked bang up for it, basically had the game won for us within 25 minutes. General play was improved but still not great - he needs to stay in the team as he's scoring goals (finally).

Got it spot on last night, but lets just hope he doesn't lose the plot again when we're away from SJP.

Fucking excellent game this, Gallowgate was bouncing throughout, especially second half. Great atmosphere, good performance. Harper 7 - did everything required of him, no chance with the goal Simpson 7 - fine on return and what a ball for Carroll's header Williamson 8 - colossus Hall 7 - won virtually every header van Aanholt 7 - lost the ball a few times but on the whole did well Routledge 7 - radio apparently gave him man of the match, fair enough he assisted Loven's first, but it took him an hour to actually try and beat his man for pace Guthrie 6.5 - fine Nolan 6 - improved of late but still off the pace, some good tackles and showed well attacking in the second half Jonas 6.5 - bit of a mixed bag, did very well defensively and the usual good runs without any end product Carroll 8 - have slated him lately but he looked bang up for it today, heading improved and inches from a hat-trick (the og) Best 6 - not really involved, booking was harsh and missed an easy header SUBS Lovenkrands 8 - magnificent, what a finish for the second goal, it looked impossible from behind the goal R.Taylor 6 - slotted in fine Kadar 6 - read R.Taylor Hughton 8 - picked (Carroll apart) what would have been my pre-match selection, but fair play to him, as we finally had good width and balance on either side. Substitutions on the whole made sense too, correctly removed Best and gave Loven a game. Oh, and it was brilliant hearing "Chopra, what's the score? Chopra, Chopra, what's the score?" getting airings throughout the game, and also the mass booing whenever he touched the ball (which he didn't even do second half) was class too. All in all a great night.

Nailed on that if this happened under McLaren, he'd keep the armband. Under Sven... he'd have to keep it, he's bonked more women on the sly than I've had hot dinners.

Gerrard, from those specified. Rooney has enough pressure on him without getting the armband.

He's just proving to everyone that he's a true Geordie, he walks along there most days. Gawn alang the Scotswood Road, to see the Blaydon Races...

Terry, Upson, Ferdinand, Brown. In that order. Supposing one of those is injured for the WC, my fifth choice would be Gary Cahill (I think Jagielka is better but he ain't played enough).

spurs cunts

ffs

Well well well another one there. Defoe clearly off though.

lol spurs

Not offside btw lads.

save, Gomes.