Altamullan

Woodgate best I’ve seen also (though I did love Glenn Roeder, as a kid). Woodgate versus Drogba in the UEFA cup semi at SJP was awesome. Drogba probably edged the duel, but it was a treat to see two top class players competing at full pelt. I couldn’t even recall the score (until I checked, 0-0) but I can still picture one instance with the two of them running shoulder to shoulder at absolute break neck speed in line with the East side of the six yard box. Every sinew straining, Drogba looking like at any second he was going to power past and shoot. He didn’t get the chance. Woodgste stayed with him every step of the way. It’s hard to capture in words, but it was just such an immense tussle so full of determination, it has really stayed with me. I think Woodgate may have been injured, as well as a few others, for the return match, where we were beaten/couldn’t keep young Drogba well marshalled.

Has he been hanging out with Kenedy?

Well done to you too, Paw. Phenomenal points total. I ended up 58th. Top 20% but pretty unremarkable (despite really trying!).

Yep, not a good night. It’s always darkest before the dawn. Just thought, it’s a wonder they haven’t added crossbar-smashing to the favoured list (horse-punching etc.) of Geordie adjectives.

Averaging 21 points from ten games is pretty damn good, Jill. Tough competition /high standard me thinks. Well done all

How about Vardy? (Rashford won’t mind warming the bench for half a season...).

Congratulations Disco, fantastic consistent clairvoyance! Thank you Magpie

Shite! Excitedly logged in to do some nipple-related puns. Ruined it for me, you titheads!

Yesterday was the best performance I can recall from him. Recall him starting well with us (pre Kane scythe) so I may be underestimating his early form, just class act against Chelsea. Loved how up for it/passionate he seemed as well. Long may or continue.

Can I just retract any posts that may have come across as moaning re being overly defensive, especially at home. GD matters it seems. Who knew? Oh. Rafa, of course.

I think Diame has been our most infuential player this season. A colossus, absolutely bossed midfield against players like Pogba, who cost nearly as much as him...

Some farewell cameos from (or remain on) the bench.

Disproportionately annoying name. Here’s a thought, we could keep this thread going (in the unlikely, ahem, event that nowt much happens in June...) by identifying spurious targets with an annoying number of r’s in their name.

I can see why people would see him as having what it takes for that role. But he’ll play where he has been if we can secure his signature. Unfortunately I am pessimistic about him staying, even if we bid.

think he’d need a Stanley knife. One of the older Chelsea fans will probably have one and be happy to lend him it.

Cup final coming up, decent record against them at SJP (all things considered), great atmosphere, much better team performance against Spurs... 1 or 2-0 (or sneaky bet on a 3-2 scorcher!).

Still see having a better option than Ayoze as our second priority. Behind, in both ways!, a Rafa-style striker.

Week 38 Liverpool 5-0 Brighton Man Utd 2-0 Watford Crystal Palace 3-0 West Brom Burnley 2-1 Bournemouth Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea Southampton 2-3 Man City Swansea 4-1 Stoke Spurs 3-2 Leicester Huddersfield 0-2 Arsenal West Ham 2-1 Everton

Hmm, now that would explain a fair bit....

Perhaps the mooted ‘huge gulf’ between the Prem and Champo is overestimated for all leagues. I know it’s a bit of a stretch but I watched an Altrincham vs Shaw Lane game, a few weeks ago, and it wasn’t hugely different in terms of some of the individual quality in show than I’ve seen in some Championship games. Of course there must be a difference on average (particularly in the example I use) but perhaps more overlap than we assume.

When will we see you again?

Joyous

Chose to take the 4 point hit and transfer both Kenedy and Slimani. Brought in Giroud and Loftus Cheek.

Genuine question but how do new residential flats look better than student flats? Not seen a decent new build, aesthetically. Plenty of them around.

5 teams can’t finish above us. We can’t finish higher than 10th. Where’s it going to be: 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th? I’ll think Palace will beat West Brom. Can’t see Bournemouth getting anything at Burnley, nor Watford at Man Utd. Liverpool will beat Brighton. West Ham will lose to Man Utd away, but may beat Everton at home. Draw at best versus Chelsea for us. Sooo, I reckon 11th with the draw by a point, with a loss on gd. Which was my preseason guesstimate. Top ten was my hope. Could still make it if we match Palace’s result and other games go to plan.