Sean

I think 7th or 8th, voted 7th. Shame because even having bought Debuchy I think we could have pushed on, as it would have at least given us some sort of boost on the last day. We do look really weak up top in the event of even 1 injury. Think it will depend largely on how our players view this summer, i.e. are they going to get disillusioned at the lack of incomings? Although, to be honest, we had a great season last year, and have not lost any key members of the team, so with an extra year of bonding, why can we not do just as good? Sometimes it's best not to expect the world, we just might be pleasantly surprised. Santon has a years PL experience, Ben Arfa is starting from the get-go, Cisse is here from the start, with any luck Steven Taylor will play a full season, Marveaux is fit, Hell even Cabaye has a years PL experience behind him now. Plus the whole team has a years experience of playing together. We haven't brought much in, but we should be a more coherent team this season. Can I change my prediction...looking at it like that, I really don't see why we can't do another 5th place finish. Think top 4 is still out of reach, but why should we fear anyone?

Best thing about this season is we have a fully-fit Ben Arfa from the get go, not many teams could even dream of having such a talent in their line-up. I can't wait to see a full season from him.

Don't worry, he'll leave on page 847. Page 847 of the 5th Ben Arfa thread and I'll be OK with that!

Agree, have seen nothing to suggest that Perch would be a great attacking right back, bombing down the wing, which seems to be the main complaint against Simpson. He is obviously our weakest link in the first 11, but there is nothing to suggest Perch would be an improvement. And Pardew seems to feel the same, despite seeing them both training everyday, but sure, some people know better eh. We are stuck with what we have, lets just deal with it.

He is the weakest link obviously, but is also undoubtedly the scapegoat for a huge amount of people now... can see him being blamed for absolutely everything this season. There always has to be someone to take the flak. Not saying I rate him because I don't, but have a feeling on here he will take the blame for other people's mistakes/good play by the opposition. See Spurs game even...cross from one side, Simpson's fault for not getting tight enough to block the original ball, from the other Simpson's fault for not marking his man well enough at the far post. Can see this line of argument featuring a lot this year. It's not ideal but it's what it is and we all have to deal with it. Let's get behind ALL of our players eh?

Doesn't deserve the move, still a shame that more English players don't go abroad to play, if more did then maybe, just maybe, England might do better in International competitions!

Anyone who is disappointed Spurs didn't get Moutinho needs there head looking at tbh, quality player, now whether he can transfer that to the PL could be questioned, but I for one am glad we don't have to worry about that question.

Have we got a roundup of the deals done by each club anywhere on the board? Decided nothing was happening as far as we were concerned so went out and just got back in now, where did Dempsey end up? What have Liverpool done? Tottenham?

Oh yeah, just had a second look there: Guardian sport @guardlan_sport Sport news, comment and much more from the Guardian, updated through the day. For all your US sports needs, trolled?

Guardian sport ‏@guardlan_sport BREAKING: Arsenal have made a £20 bid on Ben Arfa #AFC #NUFC This had better not be true like.

Who cares...how many right-footers use the left regularly?

Lets be honest, if his shot in the first half had of gone in, everyone would be loving him now. Looked a class above with his touch, pace and skill...only just getting back into playing regularly too...theres far too much negativity on here. I think Marveaux will be a really good player for us over the course of this season, really don't get the negativity towards him at all.

How do you reconcile cumbersome and fragile in the same sentence?

Doesn't look out of place in the team, don't even have to qualify it by saying "for a young player".

Haven't read the opinions on him tonight as was in the pub, but thought he played how he should play, using his pace, not thinking too much, was surprised because after the supposed abuse he got I could have seen him crumble and get even worse, but he actually looked to have grown hugely from that night. Looked dangerous all night.

Still not sure he will ever make i though, have never seen enough when he has featured

What's this craic about not having the physical attributes, his problem is being able to take a game by the scruff of the neck and imposing himself on the game...

Didn't deserve to be on the losing side today.

He looks pretty good already, can see he has all the attributes to be a success in time. My dad taught him art at secondary school in Coventry funnily enough, said that he's a really nice lad, used to walk into class dancing, always smiling etc. Said he was a joy to teach. Really confident too, apparently he didn't walk to the training ground and just ask for a trial, he went there and said to the coaches that he was much better than all the rest so they should take him on. I know...pathetic!

Boom Boom

Fulham have made a formal complaint to the Premier League over their pursuit of Clint Dempsey.

Celtic 2-0 up, what a corner from Commons, not sure if theres some wind that helped that? Seemed a huge amount of swerve on it!

Had to feel sorry for Jol talking about Dempsey, he was about as honest as a manager could be. Dempsey should still try his best, wanting away or not, he's a professional footballer being paid well... hopefully his sh;t attitude is a sign of things to come for Liverpool!

Is there a better player to watch in the premier league? I don't think so. Love watching Hatem, mainly because you never know what he's gonna do, but you always feel he can do something special, no matter where he is on the pitch (see Blackburn and Bolton). Still can't quite believe he plays for us! =)

They look like brothers, also I see Hatem in the background!!