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The talk pre season was of developing the perfect corner. Kinda funny, yet sad, that it was floating the ball to Mike Williamson that Pardew was talking about.

Says the guy who called me a wanker for not believing you. Erm, that was part of the wind up. Why is this needing explained?

Can't believe how much I've got to Stifler. Didn't believe me yet went running to the Internet, just so he could claim he broke the news if it did turn out to be true. Just admit you believed me and move on. Apologies to everyone that it ended up on here. What a berk.

I wonder if the manager at the club Ranger is at now is his kind of MANAGER? Oh shit son.

I don't think he'll be sacked in the summer, unless we are relegated.

I've started to shift to wanting to see Santon play on the wing, after seeing how well Haidara is doing and now we have Debuchy. Even if it's only short-term, it can only benefit his game at full back and I think he'd be good defensively on the wing, a different option to Gutierrez.

Shite odds but money on us to win. Got Cabaye first scorer too, better odds on that.

In the modern game, full backs are very important in an attacking sense as it offers you an extra outlet. Look at how much Simpson limits our attacking play, and then compare him to Debuchy.

But, all three were SOLD so we are a selling club. We are also a buying club, we operate in the transfer market just like every other club. A good example of a selling club in the last few years are Arsenal. We have sold 3 first 11 players in 2 years, I think it's normal.

Selling club how? Demba Ba we could do nothing about, Carroll was a ridiculous transfer and we replaced Enrique well.

Ba didn't want the security in his deal, he wanted the opportunity to move on for next to nothing compared to his actual ability. But thanks for that, Kevin. Top bloke.

Feels like it's said so much but this lad is a really special player, hope he manages to stay fit much better than he has in the past. There's a real buzz when he's on the ball, he's capable of something out of nothing which is absolutely priceless for the way we operate as a team.

Hahaha

Didn't expect him to start, probably best him coming on as an impact sub anyways.

He's playing for a contract, not that I mind as its to the benefit of the team of course. Totally different Simpson to that which played the first half of the season.

I think he should hold his head up high, what a performance. In for every loose ball and 50/50, which is quite remarkable being his first game back since the Mcmanaman tackle. Well done Haidara lad. Looking forward to seeing him play more.

It'll come with experience. I think he's solid enough and you definitely get the feeling that he will only improve. Both him and Williamson were good, good effort from two lads that have never played together before (I don't think anyways)

Think the lad just wears a tight shirt. Gained a little strength, maybe.

Looking better second half though that isn't saying a lot.

We are going out without a whimper. Any criticism of Bigi tonight is harsh as he clearly isn't a wide midfielder. Bizarre from Pardew to choose to play him there. I'd give Marveaux a full half and look to introduce Ben Arfa after an hour.

Haidara looks totally unphased by what happened almost a month ago against Wigan. Trying to win every loose ball, great to see.

Did he get a shout from Cabaye?

One goal from Benfica and the tie is virtually over. Don't think it's a daft attitude to have. I'd be happy if it meant Benfica hadn't scored. I think everyone would love to be 2-0 up after 20 minutes. It just isn't likely.

We will return for 5 minutes, have anther break, then finally kick off. Enthralling.

Hope guarding against an early goal pays off. Not totally confident with the line up.