Shays Given Tim Flowers

Also, don’t we all agree that we’ve got very limited options on the bench to change games? Really he has minor tweaks available in the main to change games. It’s symptomatic of having a thin squad.

All I would add to this is against Arsenal in the second leg we had a completely different plan A to how we set up in the league.

Many were saying Bruno was one of, if not the best, midfielder to play for Newcastle in the Premier League. If city were full strength would he even start? Would Schar, Burn, Trippier, Murphy, Dubravaka, Joelinton, get meaningful game time at Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea? The playing squad is a far bigger check on our position than Eddies managerial ability.

Pull me off and I’ll see what I can do.

Worth remembering that Jonjo Shelvey looked world class in the championship.

Hope we stick with him through his Baran spell.

You exorcise demons bez.

I’m sure the irony isn’t lost.

I'd guess to win something? Rightly or wrongly.

I feel the conversation with Wilson begins and ends with his fitness record. If the club is confident that those issues are behind him then great. If they aren’t then it’s a no from me because a player who isn’t available is pointless.

@Mike must have gotten your ticket.

If they hadn’t scored the blockbuster we go in 2-1 up against a team that was tiring quickly.

I disagree. They pressed aggressively and we coped with it well. Prior to the wonder strike we were well in control of the game. Not sure what was dubious about the goals beyond did the ball cross the line on the first. They had a deflected goal for the first, a cross that was headed wide and the side foot chance, but they were always going to have chances. We play a direct 4-3-3 and the most important player in terms of tightening up the defensive performance of the team (Tonali) wasn’t on the pitch.

Think describing us as collectively shite for that first half performance is harsh. Disjointed to start but actually we controlled the game well after an early set back. Those were exceptionally difficult conditions for a patchwork team.

Played far beyond his years yesterday.

He’s like the janitor of the squad. Gets called into a mess and just mops it up. Considering he doesn’t play much at all, he’s very good at coming in and performing.

This was a really hard game, particularly for a side that haven’t played together. I think it’s very impressive how we came through it. To go an early goal down, control the game and then concede to a wonder goal before half time. Really resilient performance against a very confident team, with a hostile atmosphere and dismal conditions.

He’s good fun. Also some real variety to his wide play.

He really is the best.

We have everything necessary to be a very good cup team. I think we will go with a strong squad. Really shouldn't be throwing away opportunities to win something.

His movement is just incredible. Guys a genius.

He wasn’t stretchered off or anything. Hopefully just precautionary.

Get back on page 1. Mods sticky this thread. They should have sent a poet.

Congratulations Sandro, you’re hepatitis A.