BrickTop

In the back of our minds we knew this was how the fairytale would play out. Ashley giving over full control? Never lasting. If, as we fear, this recent clusterfuck move from Ashley results in Rafa leaving is this the worst thing he's done to the club? For me it would be the worst thing.

With 2 games in hand though...

Pls let me un-see that. Strange how he seems to know enough about us to mention 3 ex-players yet thinks we're called the 'blue-jays' and our rivals are 'Underland'.

Got a lot of time for this.

This. Special mention for Perez who has had his best game of the season for me. Full of confidence today.

Coverage has died on me for all 4 of the goals

Perez looking sharp, albeit still weak as piss.

Everything going down our lefthand side.. What is this?

It's this for me. The last time we spent big in January we were trying to fight off relegation and had bought only Anita (of note) the summer before. January is a black hole for spending money and should really only be used if necassary. We're top of the league and have a capable squad to get us promotion so there is no need to over spend in a shallow market. I'm sure this is what the club is thinking and I would imagine Rafa agrees.

This. He's probably just liked it because it's about him. Would have him back though fwiw.

Wow that really is astronomically shit. Completely uninspiring. Looks like some footballer's third rate attempt at a clothing brand.

1-0 win. Gouffran embroiled in a 'does fuck all until hitting an absolute screamer late on' shocker.

Pretty sure HBA is wearing toon shorts. Can't shake us.

Was just about to say get Colback off before he gifts them a goal. Oh well.

Diame beginning to look like the player we thought we'd signed. Keep plugging away and we'll get the 1-0 win I predicted. Just as importantly results seem to be going our way elsewhere for a change!

Predict a boring 1-0 to us and I'll take it any day away from home. Particularly these, bit of a bogey team.

Thought he'd found his level earlier on in the season. However, yesterday we actually needed a performance from him for the first time this season and he offered nothing. You could put him in the midfield of an underwhelming fifth tier side and I can't imagine he would noticeably improve them.

They were close until like March IIRC. Remember drawing with them in January 2-2 which kept us very close. And even back in 92/93, despite us having had a decent lead, Portsmouth caught us and for just 24 hours (I think), overtook us. So there's no need to panic just yet. This is what I try to keep in mind. The fact the idea of another team being able to fight it out with us feels a little disappointing at this point only shows just how much of a dominating league leader we've been so far.

How close were WBA to us throughout the 09/10 campaign? 11 point gap by the end but I'm sure I remember they were hot on our heels for the most part of that season.

Sadly agree. Not even behind the striker? Think it would work well. Not that it matters as it's never happening.

Never looked threatening in the final third. Not sure I can watch this.

And yet Hayden is miles better than Colback, so I'm confused. That isn't really up for debate imo. However the theory that Shelvey is more effective for us alongside Colback might have something to it.

He still deserves some credit for that season but my days did we have a lot of luck. Cisse couldn't miss if he tried during that streak. They were flying into the top corner off his shin. His conversion rate must have be astonishing Jan-May 2012.

.co.uk beta showing Colback has a 90% win ratio. Hayden: 66%

Starts playing for 10-20 seconds then cuts off. Working fine for me. Guess I'll just have to revert to teletext.