Infinitely Content

The idea that we should replace our entire midfield is mental like, we need an attacker(s) & full backs more. Our midfield is relatively balanced & contains quality, youth & experience.

Struggling to think of many players around/available these days in their mould. Quick, physical/powerful players who can work the channels & finish well. Slimani has shown glimpses mind, he definitely has legs & seems happy to come wide to pick up the ball & drive at defences. Far too little time played to judge him conclusively imo.

Man Utd showing more respect for Arsène than the Arsenal fans then...

Don't think Slimani getting into good positions is a problem personally, he should have been played in twice against Everton and Perez (I think) failed to do so both times. Gayle has hardly been threatening for weeks even months now, lots of good work out the box (although not today by any stretch), but nothing tangible to support the argument that he's the only striker we have capable of getting into decent positions. But I don't like him (as a player) so I would think that

Still felt much more hopeful of us scoring when he was on the pitch than Gayle mind. Although that's probably says more about how little I rate Gayle as a goalscorer than it does about Slimani.

Thought Gayle was very good off the bench there, made a real difference. In the end there was nowt between the two sides, we shouldn't be demoralised by that result too much.

We haven't been that bad like, passing could be sharper but the shape & work rate is ever present. Relatively pleased.

Class, can't wait to see what you lot come up with.

Chelsea's treatment of Willian is absolutely shocking. He's easily one of their best players & likely their most consistent performer throughout the entire squad yet he's not treat as if that were case. He should leave at the end of the season, deserves better.

Was about to say that tattoo on Lascelles' arm looks just like Shola

The old bloke shouting come on west brom, isn't he wearing a old man u top?? Looks it. I presume Kompany's in-laws are United supporters but daint want to get a nutted off the big man himself.

Loved that Sums up what I love about this team. Immense attitude till the final moment.

We'd have to pay a literal fortune to replace what he has been doing for us since December. I hope to god he has another season of similar form in him.

The consistency of Shelvey's passing is why he should be going. I don't want to make too bold a statement but outside of the Premier League's world class talents such as KDB, I can't think of anyone who rivals Jonjo in that department, of any nationality. So happy he's enjoying his football here, want him to stay for years to come.

We have great partnerships all over the pitch. Perez/Gayle. Shelvey/Diame. Dummett/Kenedy. Yedlin/Ritchie. Lascelles/Lejeune. No individuals in the team at all, everyone has a partner they can rely on and it seems to spread confidence & calm throughout the side. Rafa really deserves all the plaudits he will righty be getting now, what a manager. What a side.

We're a very good side who no team would relish playing at the moment. I never felt like Arsenal we're going to pull it back at the end, our players wanted that win too much which is an absolutely joy to see and all I have ever and will ever ask for. Love this team.

Am I allowed to say I love the lad now, Twinport?

It really doesn't. It's just an opinion on one aspect of the playing side. The man has worked miracles under this cunt of an owner, regardless of this. Yes, but maybe the reason Mitrovic had to go out on loan is because Rafa knew he needed quick results and to get a team playing a certain style of football with some immediacy. Had Rafa persevered with Mitrovic in spite of this, it could have been very damaging. Therefore it is hard to see it as an error, more as a cog in his great achievements with us this season.

Rafa has done his job and kept us up by devising & carrying out a plan with what he had (and thought he could get - Kenedy, Dubravka) at his disposal. Because he loaned out Mitrovic, a striker clearly better than Gayle & Joselu, does not mean it's an error on his part. He has simply done his job and kept us in the league by whatever means necessary. Maybe Mitrovic could work under Rafa, maybe he can't, but all is for certain it would have taken time to get them both singing to the same tune, and time we did not have. I'm a massive Mitrovic fan and pray he can score goals in a Newcastle shirt, but saying Rafa has got it wrong with him is unfair imo and seems to undervalue the enormous achievement of Benitez this season.

He would be very worthy of us breaking our transfer record to sign him. Much more so than Troy Deeney would have been. (thank fuck that didn't happen)

I can't help but love Mick

I hope Liverpool or Roma win it myself.

Not good enough from City this second half like. Have looked defensively all over the place.

The Discman on scouting duties. Hope you're wearing the badge loud & proud.