mulletsaint

Oh and by the way the commentating was appalling. Mixing up players numerous times, calling Ashley Young Luke Young and missing the obvious deflection for the winning goal.

Didn't think it was that bad to be honest. Ten minute bad patch from first goal. Apart from that we had most of the good chances. Thought the defensive midfielders needed to sit more and offer greater protection to the back four. First goal wouldn't have happened if this was the case. TBH Gerrard and for a lot of the match Young, were where things broke down creatively and they are two of the more senior players. I'm kinda of the opinion that we need to let the youngsters grow together and accept they'll make the odd mistake. I'd rather that than see all of the old players back in the squad.

Nah, WH will get some sort of spawny win with a goal that goes in off the refs backside after having two men sent off for fighting with each other. Both reds will then be rescinded for some spurious reason. Guess we'll just have spank Leeds.

Claridge and whoever the bloke commentating on the cup replay were gushing about what a good player he is and how there's much more to his game than scoring goals.

TBH I'm not sure either of the formations we play truly suit the way we play. We've not defended well all season, it's just at the beginning of the season we were outscoring teams. It seemed to me on the occasions that I watched us that this season that this was largely down to the fact that we attacked with everyone bar the CB's and the goalie. We relied on defending from the front to stop teams scoring. As a result teams that pierced our midfield could attack our exposed CB's and exploit the space down the flanks. Our three CM's are as has been mentioned, all similar. In effect we have three box to box CM's. IMHO we need to play with one or two defensive mids who can also act as quarterbacks and protect the flanks. We have enough attacking prowess elsewhere on the field to need all of the CM's joining in the attacking play.

Be tempted to get Stephens on and see if he can improve on Richardsons delivery into the box. Lambo!! Get in.

Lol! Is this a guess the age competition? My turn first. Six?

TBH I'd take a point if WH lose.

Snap (see what I did there?)

Billy Sharp, Billy Sharp, Billy Billy Billy, Billy Sharp, Billy Sharp, Billy Billy Billy, Billy Sharp, Billy Sharp, Billy Billy Billy, Billy Shar-ar-arp!

TBH a lot of people seem to use this forum as a ****ing contest. I suppose it gives them something to do when The Dog And Duck or Oceana are closed.

A West Ham fan on 606 tonight reckoned that some bookies have cut the odds to this to evens.

It's already been alluded to on here, but reading between the lines on what was said at the chairman's dinner, wages would appear to be the sticking point.

This is the problem. The modern football fan wants instant results. Some players, especially those from other countries and/or cultures can take a while to settle in. Nasri looked pants for the first couple of seasons at Arsenal, but his performances last year prompted City to pay somewhere in the region of £25m for him. He looks like he's taking his time to settle in again. Andy Cole was awful for United when he first joined but turned in to great striker for them. Some times it just takes a while for us to see the true player. Unfortunately if they don't prove to be world beaters immediately we get on their backs, often making the situation worse.

Pretty magnanimous post from you there. My compliments.

Who are you, Nostradamus?

Hmm. Think this could be bad. Slack passing, no retention of possession and nervous defending. A recipe for disaster methinks.

Thought Oxo was Arsenal's best player today and as others have said Walcott was poor by comparison. I often wonder if when we look at Walcott now it's easy to overlook how good he was at a young age and believe that he always lacked a football brain and technique. I never saw a huge amount of him during his days with us, but when I did I thought he looked pretty intelligent, choosing the right time to run at defenders or pick a pass. He was a good finisher and while not possessing the largest repertoire of tricks he had quick feet and the odd bit of skill in his locker to help him beat his man, not just relying on pure pace. I honestly think that Wenger has caused a lot of his problems. In trying to protect Theo and introduce him slowly I think he confused the hell out of the boy. I can remember seeing a few good performances in his early days, but they were never enough to ensure he got a run of games. I remember him scoring a hat trick in Europe. His confidence must have been sky high. He didn't start another match for weeks. He must have been wondering what the hell he had to do. He doesn't seem to be such a strong character as Oxo and I would bet it effected him. I know arsenal fans who at the time couldn't understand why he couldn't get a run in the team. Couple all that dithering with his recurring injuries and it's hardly surprising his development has been stunted.

Maybe it's all a ruse and he's been in the country a week. ;-)

Glad someone beat me to this sentiment. Some people are ****in unbelieveable.

I was aware of that. Doesn't necessarily preclude Falque from being the one if MLT was being a prat! I seem to remember someone mentioning that the signing would surprise English fans, not that the player in question was English. I saw this as an assertion that this was a big signing. May be wrong on that count though as looking at old posts I cant find any from MLT that state this.

Yeh, would be nice for an MLT update, even if it does all prove to be nothing more than bull. If that was the mystery deal I'd say MLT is a bit more easily pleased than me. If not, does it still look like it's gonna happen or has it all fallen through?

I'm not into slating Walcott, but it does seem that he moved too early and hasn't improved as much as he should have done IMO. I agree with the fact that he's playing in the wrong type of team. He may be having a good career but hardly an amazing one! He still has time on his side so maybe one day he'll truly fulfil his potential. Bale and Walcott at Barcelona one day? Was really impressed with Dyer and Swansea today. He looks a very intelligent and rounded player now. Hard working too, often nicking the ball back. I think it bodes well for us if we get promoted as we try to play a similar brand of football. Think we need a bit more pace and more about us in defence tho.

Get in!! And with that I'm getting out. Have fun baiting Alps chaps. COYS!!!'

I think we're all frustrated with our form. Just not as frustrated as we are with your constant histrionics. You may have some valid points but I'm past caring. It's the non stop whining and bile that gets my goat.