themanupstairs

Yup. Villa were absolutely woeful. Emile Heskey on the left wing? ffs!!! If that's a sign of things to come from them, can see them easily get suckered into a relegation battle come March. Spurs were pissing about last night. If they really put their mind to it they could have racked up 6 or 7.

Tomas Ravelli was the granddaddy of pen saves

Pardew will have to gauge Taylor's confidence levels before deciding whether to play him or not. I don't think he should be dropped because of the performance itself. But he shouldn't be starting if his confidence has been shot. Last thing we want is Taylor quaking in his boots at the sight of Nani or A.N. Other running at him full pelt.

Possibly? Probably? Almost certainly? There's no way of knowing, which is I think it would be grossly unfair to punish him for racism. It's also quite possible that Suarez's version of events is true. I'm sure he threw all manner of insults at Evra, and appears nonplussed that Evra took offense at what Suarez considers to be the least offensive word he used (i.e. "mate"). His intentions cannot be known, and that's critical to determining whether it was racist or not. At any rate, he knows now, and by all means, throw the book at him if he says it again. Can you use the words "sexy bitch", "puto", "b******" or any other term of endearment in whatever language context, in a professional office meeting between 2 companies? Can't imagine an account executive standing up to present a sales pitch starting out with "Alright then you sexy bitches/putos/bastards, here's what we can do for YOU"! Bottom line, it's unprofessional regardless of the context. The extent of punishment is the only thing to debate here. Which is a perfectly valid argument *if* you're dead against any kind of sledging/banter in football games, and you think players should conduct themselves on the pitch as directors should in the boardroom. This doesn't, however, appear to be a common attitude. In fact, the only case of a player copping criticism for non-racist abuse of an opponent I can think of was the Zidane/Materazzi incident. Oh I absolutely am all for banter in football games. But this isn't an arena for sunday leaguers and laymen. This is professional sport, and all the players know there are cameras all around them picking up on their every breath. Claiming ignorance of this is not an excuse, and I doubt neither Suarez nor Terry will claim otherwise. If he admits to using the word, his intentions are irrelevant. One cannot prove Suarez to be an odious little cunt, but this is the perception of many in the game, including myself and some of his own supporters. The decision to punish him, and for how long, will be a subjective one as you can't prove his intentions. I suppose he may be punished for using the word rather than for being "a racist".

Love that tbh. Jonas and Cabaye can protect the fullbacks.

Possibly? Probably? Almost certainly? There's no way of knowing, which is I think it would be grossly unfair to punish him for racism. It's also quite possible that Suarez's version of events is true. I'm sure he threw all manner of insults at Evra, and appears nonplussed that Evra took offense at what Suarez considers to be the least offensive word he used (i.e. "mate"). His intentions cannot be known, and that's critical to determining whether it was racist or not. At any rate, he knows now, and by all means, throw the book at him if he says it again. Can you use the words "sexy bitch", "puto", "bastard" or any other term of endearment in whatever language context, in a professional office meeting between 2 companies? Can't imagine an account executive standing up to present a sales pitch starting out with "Alright then you sexy bitches/putos/bastards, here's what we can do for YOU"! Bottom line, it's unprofessional regardless of the context. The extent of punishment is the only thing to debate here.

Just seen B'burn's 2nd goal. Gamst Pedersen is a cheating cunt of the highest order. Despicable twat.

Has John Terry shagged your wife?

Dzeko is a few inches bigger than Krul

Is it over the top- I rekon Its the least Ive cared about a defeat in 40 years. Litterally not bothered. Its not apathy- cos my confidence in what pardew is doing is as high as almost any other time in that 40 years- only behind KK, SBR. despite Ashley etc. Feel exactly the same

Well, I don't have a problem with what the rule itself aims to achieve. Say Aguero did not touch the ball and Toure came storming in and had a chance at goal, it's fair do's as Toure made the effort to get on the end of a ball, starting from an onside position. What I do have a problem with is say Toure did get to the ball, Aguero should then not be involved in play until he was behind the defence again (back in an onside position), as he had gained an advantage being there starting from an offside position. The offside player should be completely neutralized and not allowed to take part in the attack until they have gone back into an onside position. One solution is for the player to plop down on their ass and hold their hand up while play continues

How do we know that? Ba and Ben Arfa have played one PL game together. Well we have quite a few examples of how well these two work together. IMO Best will be even better with HBA, but Ba is our top scorer and shouldn't be dropped on current form. I agree that we haven't seen enough of HBA and Ba together, but I'm not sure OT is the place to try it. You're right, the Etihad stadium was the place to try it,and they did well against the best team in the country,both had chances. All this clamour to fit Leon Best back in the team is making my eyes burn, we should give Ba and Ben Arfa a chance to work because they're better players. Dude, you're right. It worked to a certain extent, and with a bit of luck, it would have been a resounding success. I may be a bit biased towards Best as I think he's the dog's bollocks. My favorite forward at the club at the moment, and I think he's a bit underrated by our own fans.

How do we know that? Ba and Ben Arfa have played one PL game together. Well we have quite a few examples of how well these two work together. IMO Best will be even better with HBA, but Ba is our top scorer and shouldn't be dropped on current form. I agree that we haven't seen enough of HBA and Ba together, but I'm not sure OT is the place to try it.

--------------------------Krul Simpson------Taylor---------Coloccini------Santon -------------------Cabaye----Tiote ---Obertan--------------------------------Jonas -----------------------Ba-------Best Really need to take the game to them. Love Ben Arfa to get the nod at right wing if Obertan isn't fit. Wouldn't even mind SAmeobi either tbh. Whoever plays in that position will have to be really focused and disciplined in tracking back when we don't have the ball. Best and Ba are our best front pairing, so both must start if fit imo.

That's just stupid

Cabaye tracking very well.

Ba should have just scored the chance in all honesty. Yup. Anywhere but the middle of the goal would have done.

I don't see Coloccini, Krul, Saylor, Jonas, Cabaye, Guthrie or Sammy doffing any caps either. Reckon they all played well first half.

What an absolutely fantastic miss from Gervinho

I have lots of time and love for Jonas. Such an honest and down to earth individual Also great to hear about what's happening behind the scenes.

Cannot fucking wait for this now! All I ask is that we give a good account of ourselves as an outfit. Anything better than a defeat is a massive massive bonus.

Time for this lad to step up to the plate now. With the match being where it is an added incentive. Hope he starts and goes all out like a man possessed. There's a fairytale to be written here.

Excellent win for my birth nation woo! Couldn't get to watch the match, were Lebanon relatively impressive? They were quite good away in Kuwait! Hope this means we're more likely to qualify now! Lebanon were very impressive. I don't know how they've randomly become so good. Usual comments about deliberately s*** pitch/fans with laser pointers/arab refs sticking up for their bros apply though. Gotcha You should be alright to go through though obviously

Excellent win for my birth nation woo! Couldn't get to watch the match, were Lebanon relatively impressive? They were quite good away in Kuwait! Hope this means we're more likely to qualify now!

I reckon it's way too soon. Surely he deserves one, but in 20 years' time. Either way, should definitely be a mold of him celebrating his record breaking goal at home to Portsmouth.