Manuel

Just regarding the second goal, he did mess about in a dangerous area but Gunn has to take some of the flack for passing it directly to the opposition rather than hoofing it. He had time to clear it.

Hoping Armstong will have one of his better games like he did against Man U back in December. Seems a long while ago now (and under a different manager).

I remember his public criticism of the system being played under Puel. Perhaps he had a point. Perhaps he was speaking for the dressing room as a whole, but I thought it was a bit disrespectful to stir the hornets nest knowing you're future is elsewhere. Just do your job and shut up.

I wonder what might happen if Bangladesh refuse to take her. I understand Bangladesh is under no obligation to grant her a passport. Would be a shame if this turns into some international diplomatic wrangle. Perhaps we would have been better off charging her and letting her rot in a UK prison where we can keep an eye on her. I also wonder whether the case would have treated differently if we had a Labour government in power.

Poor defending for most of the game, but without Hazard Chelsea are pretty average. Excellent defending from Manure all game.

Whenever we have the ball he has positioned himself very high since the first time he started for us. Must be Ralph's instruction. I have thought he has been too static when off the ball, not doing enough to make himself available. Promising none the less.

Words fail me

Cardiff well drilled defensively. Going to take something special.

Quite useful going forward again today, although hasn't yet found a man with the couple of crosses he's had, mainly due to good Cardiff defending. Defensively though, he doesn't get tight enough to the attacking player for my liking and allows crosses too easily. My only criticism really.

Doubt you'll get very far. Mine couldn't even clap when it was alive, no matter how much I asked.

I imagine Ralph will recognise that attempting to get Charlie running round at every opportunity may well be counter productive. Not everyone can do what Ralph wants and for now he's stuck with the players he has. Let Austin read the attacks and place himself intelligently. He CAN do that.

It's a wonder anyone agrees to be interviewed at all these days.

A lot of criticism of Stevens following the Palace game also which was largely unjustified. He made no more errors than most others that day and mostly made many good challenges and decisions. My mate that I sit next to had him MOTM. Wasn't at today's game so can't comment. I used to like the pressing style and fitness that Adkins implemented, which Poch maintained and Koeman too albeit slightly less so. Fit players and a close eye on the academy is where I like to see us. It looks like my dreams have come true!

Obviously Crouch will score with his head within the next few minutes, but who's your money on for the assist? I reckon McNeil.

I would also like to see if Boufal can settle with this new manager. A few tweaks to his style and he could be just the creativity we need.

Just youtubing him, as you do. I know you can only score against what's put in front of you, but some of the defending..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHs06T4IS6k&t=3m14s

Women can compete in snooker tournaments. Reanne Evans, regarded as the best woman player, was given a wildcard a few years back to play in all ranking tournaments but failed to win a match. Women aren't interested in snooker so tend not to play it? Men and women have different biology thus differing skills and aptitudes....poking balls with sticks just doesn't suit the fairer sex?

Getting pretty short of wingbacks. Targett, Bertrand, Cedric all unlikely.

I don't mind Ralph having more time to sort out the wheat from the chaff. Then, come the summer the club will be in a better position to know exactly what they need. I'm pretty sure we can stay up with what we have.

Cedric for Valery on the right imo. On the left......Will Targett be fit? Will Bertrand be fit? Would love to have Berty back with renewed vigour. Lemina situation seems a bit concerning. Get him fit and firing on all cylinders and he could be a valuable asset in the middle. I know the manager has a plan but we can't let talent like this slip away unchecked. Look forward to him being fit and ready. Otherwise, same as today.

....

Ralph K was instrumental, according to the "Meet the Ralphs" conference on Thursday.

Thought he lacked quality today in the first half. Too easy for Everton to get the ball across. Going forward offers very little. Didn't get to see the second half though. Was he any better?

Must admit, when JWP strode forward with the ball I was not expecting him to score. Great finish.

Although I though Targett was on for a yellow fouling Lookman. Getting himself injured got him off it, I reckon.