striker

So we can still get him back for our last 8 PL matches, or sooner if he gets back in 3 weeks

Mr. Gao: So Ralph, tell me again which team is Shandong Luneng and which player is Pelle?

Maybe you can't blame MP for losing to Liverpool, but you surely can blame him for putting the team in a position where the Liverpool match is something we need to win. We are in relegation right now, with a squad that got 8th last season. Other managers have been fired for much less.

I know some don't like Austin and VVD, but the loss of those two has really hurt. We have 1 total goal from the forwards in the 10 total matches since Austin went down, 1. Thats rediculous. The drop from VVD to Hoedt is huge, and Stephens is just learning to play in the PL. Our defense is definitely not PL caliber without VVD. Also why isn't Yoshi playing? In general I think the midfield is playing ok. They are controlling possession fairly well, and are certainly scoring their fair share of goals. They are the ones giving us a little hope in these matches.

Maybe this match isn't MP's fault, but many others were. Its his fault that Liverpool is such an important fixture to us.

Done, 1-0 Newcastle. Great save with 15 seconds to go.

Newcastle scores at the 65th minute, 1-0 now.

Defensive set up with no Boufal.

Stoke has had a couple of really close chances. If they go down this will be the game they point to

Penalty coming for Stoke

Swansea pounding away finally scores at 81 minutes, 1-0 now

When is he due back?

I think MP starts Long again

I think this is more of a sign of our current form. People get excited when a new striker comes in, plays 1.5 games, has no goals, 4 shots, and 1 shot on goal, and people are saying how good he looks. I think we need to see a lot more before we can even formulate an opinion. Remember Gabbi came in on fire and look at him now.

Austin has been our leading scorer the past 2 seasons, even though he only played 1/2 of last and will miss about 6-8 weeks of this season. He is our only reliable scoring threat. Why would anyone want to sell him.

Agree with this totally, although I think we need to see more from Carrillo first. He was ok today but I wouldn't give it a resounding thumbs up. I like Gabbi but he is out of place on this squad, and once Austin is back (when is that by the way?) he moves even further down the list. I expect him to move on after the season. Long, in my personal opinion, isn't a lone striker. He can be a wide attacking player though, or a striker in a 3 up top setup. Not sure that makes sense to MP though, who seems set in his ways. For me its Austin, rotating in Carrillo, and I guess Gabbi/Long on the bench for this season at least.

Amazes me that Stephens has more goals that all our forwards besides Austin. Also yes that Heghazy guy is a thug. He was really ****ing me off.

Long ffs

Stoke losing now

JWP is good at those

Time to park the bus - MP

West Brom look terrible, no way we should lose to a squad like that

I think Stephens is now our 2nd leading scorer

Lemina is really good, no way he should be on the bench

We play with no confidence. At least a new manager would give us that.