leffe186

So, a straight swap, Bordeaux for Lazio? Lazio weren't all that tbh. I mean, they were good at home, but only some cheaty reffing stopped us mullering them in the fist game.

Do they run on boxing day though? Yes. Used to be a Bank Holiday service though. There are still several ways to get there from West Ham or Essex, and there are usually extra trains laid on on match days to Drayton Park iirc.

Not seen the story yet, but if true that's kinda irritating. I mean, I could understand if they were playing you guys, but it's West Ham FFS. On the face of it it makes sense, but there have been regular tube problems on the Victoria line coinciding with our matches - usually maintenance - which can make it an absolute bugger to get to WHL. The only thing that gets us a postponement is burning the town down. It does make sense, but fuck 'em.

Like the ones he "discovers" in your youth teams?

I'm amazed I haven't just walked away from football, sometimes. Didn't they just declare their first profit in a million years by (a) deferring severals tens of millions they spent on players to later accounting years (b) developing several dubious "partnership" deals e.g. with Gazprom. Yet they're supposed to be spending another fortune (according to the Star of course). I wish the place would just burn to the ground, tbh.

I used to laugh, but I'm starting to get offended that they think I'm stupid enough to buy it.

Don't think so. We're supposed to have a nice sell-on clause though.

Was just thinking about this. Am I wrong in thinking there would be uproar in the press if it was AVB/Spurs who did the same? Rodgers is getting a free pass in contrast. I really need to let my paranoia out from time to time, sorry everyone. FWIW I think he is doing an annoyingly good job.

In your favour, I'd say QPR are prime candidates for another red card

I quite like this representation: http://public.tableausoftware.com/views/PremierLeague_1/Sheet1?:embed=y

Not really. Some people, myself included, argued that whilst we didn't strengthen sufficiently, we also didn't lose any of our important players, so it wasn't all bad. In hindsight not getting in a centre back knowing how unrealiable Steven Taylor is, and hence having to rely on Williamson as much as we do has hurt us the most. Other than that I don't think you can attribute our poor season to the transfer window failures too much. Poor player form, Europe and injuries/suspensions have all contributed far more than our ultimate failure to bring in someone like Debuchy if you ask me. The two are inextricably linked, though. You prepare for Europe, and the possibilities/probabilities of injury/suspensions/loss of form by constructing a squad that has enough people to cope in each position. I.e. by strengthening in the window. Not having enough players to cope with Europe/injuries etc is a transfer window failure. It's only really massively obvious when you look at CB though. Of course, you needed wide players (defence and attack) and a bit more guile, but when you're bringing Coloccini on in an absolute nothing European match, then you've fucked up somewhere along the line.

I do, obviously . I just think that you're capable of a backs-to-the-wall display, and their defense is vulnerable.

So much will depend upon the availability of Ben Arfa and/or Cabaye. Not so much for the games against the big boys, but the awkward ones like Southampton at home, where they're well-organized and will probably set out to frustrate you a bit. Ben Arfa and Cabaye will be able to break them down, but it's a totally different kettle of fish without them. Weirdly, I think you will get something out of Arsenal - maybe even a win. QPR is a fascinating game - and frankly I think it's a terrible time to play them. Fellaini will be a massive bonus if he misses your game. I have you beating Arsenal, Reading, Norwich, and drawing with QPR and Everton. Beating Southampton would then make that a relatively decent return, but not great.

Really. I have. Is that really such a bad thing?

Honestly never heard of it. I mean, there are little local things (you guys tend to have a soft spot for Gateshead, a few older Spurs fans have an affinity to Leyton Orient, Arsenal fans used to go to Barnet), but really, the only one I can think of is that old Chelsea/Rangers "Blues Brothers" thing. It does seem symptomatic of an identity crisis, or lack of self-esteem.

Thought you played well, you move the ball so quickly. You complete bastards (in the nicest possible way). Thanks. Much happier today. I do wish people would watch the Lloris punch again though. His knees are down (contrary to what was suggested by someone) and he simply jumps up to punch the ball away, catching it at its highest point. It's arguably not even a 50-50 as he gets the ball first, although I'd say it was legitimate for Michu to go for it. He just gets caught by Lloris' follow-through, because he's late. Not even remotely a penalty. Look at Schumacher and Bosnich for the real assaults. I presumed that rule that it was the ref's call to stop play is still in effect, which means that Mike Dean was clearly at fault for not stopping play.

Thank fuck for that. Standard home performance from us - 61% (against a possession side), 24 shots to their 4, 16 on target to their 0. And hanging on for a 1-0 win. Can we not just put someone away please, to save my heart if nothing else?

..then go defensive if you're winning and throw away a goal or two.

Coming a bit late to the party here - did you guys pick up on these comments on the BBC Saturday football page: From Dean in Newcastle, via text: "No fan quite knows the emotional rollercoaster quite like a Newcastle fan!" Closely followed by: Chris Lord on Twitter: "Erm.. Dean? I'm sure us Arsenal fans know it probably more." I'm not one to miss an opportunity to abuse an Arse fan. What a beautiful encapsulation of the twattiness of the modern Gooner. I hope you gave him some stick.

Not taking the piss here, but that sounds brilliant. Get everybody to clap once, in unison. Mint.

It was only yesterday Pardew was going on about having a go at Man City, was it not? Mind games - keep up!

Couple of months too late for that post tbh.

Give over. You seem very easily embarrassed. Only at things that are embarrassing. It's probably just a coincidence that he said this on Monday... http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2012/12/10/united-fans-are-shut-out-of-toon-training-ground-72703-32394944/ Wow, I missed that. So the reason you're struggling is because other clubs can counter your tactics? Like, say, your set pieces? Sorry, I know it's a bit rude to . But, .

I always thought cheesy chips were a Scottish thing. Who owns the license?

It's in the blurb under the table. Means a player has spent three years at two different clubs in the formative period. Arsenal have the most, presumably because they keep nicking players from other academies.