qwertyell

Leeds fans say he's a highlights player; that he's only actually had about two good games all season. They're almost as frustrated with him as we are with Redmond. It's true that he'll never play for City, though.

I suppose from the club's point of view it boils down to whether they've got enough money to buy a replacement of comparable quality (hard to think of one off the top of my head) or whether to stick with the devil they know for a couple more seasons. I do think he's slowing down - and has been since he had some back trouble a year or two ago - but also that he'll still do a good job when called upon for another 18 months or so. I'd like to see Vokins given a few opportunities at some point to properly gauge his potential. He's only made two starts but was more than decent in both games. It's a shame he picked up a knock at the exact same time as Bertrand and couldn't get a run out against Newcastle. It'd be lovely if we had an in house replacement for Bertrand waiting in the wings.

Old school Italian negative, defensive football; managed a club who win the title whoever's in charge. The "glamour" clubs would rather not throw their lot in with him unless they have to.

Can't grumble - we were very good; miles better than we were in beating City last season. That's the way it goes. As at Arsenal, there's a wee bit lack of quality in the final third that makes it hard for us to chase a game, but you can't fault the lads for effort. Interesting to see how we approach this next stint without Ings. Will Walcott go back up top, even though he's really started to shine out wide in the last few games? Not sure Tella is close to being at this level. Redmond had a pretty shitty cameo today, but it's hard to single anyone out for a poor performance - we were decent out there. Vestergaard, Walker-Peters, Walcott probably the stand outs. Rest up, get ready for Fulham. If we can play at this level consistently, we'll get a lot more points this season. Merry Christmas folks.

Not sure there's anything out there for us today. City too sharp on the break, both midfielders on bookings and unable to make any more tactical fouls, Ings injured - the omens aren't good. They'll get in again. We've been half decent, though. Can't complain about the performance - City just have more quality. Obviously.

Take it. We lost the chance to win with a 15-20 minute period either side of half time when we lost our way. Too slow and unimaginative with our passing after the red card. Parking the bus is the only tactic Arteta is good at - our lack of creativity was laid bare. A point's okay, though. Onwards.

Very good 30mins before letting Arsenal back into the half. We need to be ruthless to get that second goal and slump their shoulders. Some of our decision making in the final third has been garbage. Lovely finish from Theo - he knows the way to those goals at the Emerates. I think Armstrong's worked hard and done okay. Yes, he's made some poor passes, but he's also had a couple of great driving runs too. More worried about Bednarek and Bertrand picking up cheap yellows. Doesn't feel like the ref is in the mood to do us any favours - another little ankle tap could see them in trouble. Be nice if we could get Ings into the game more. COYS.

Had a dream last night where I was checking the scores with about 10 minutes left, and we were 3-0 down. Weirdly, all Arsenal's scorers were Sheffied United players. And Liverpool were beating Spurs 2-0. If there are any premonition fans out there - something to stew on maybe...

Kept pissing himself under pressure against Man United and probably lost possession more in one half than any full back this season during that game. Great today, though - but still got plenty to improve on.

He's done more in five minutes than Long has all season. Curious how far Obafemi has fallen down the pecking order. His attitude must really stink.

Playing okay - much better on the ball than we were against Brighton. Armstrong back in some form. Not sure this is a game for Walcott. Someone a bit cuter on the ball - Redmond/Djenepo - is probably more appropriate for a very defensive, solid opposition. Vestergaard has been our most creative player, FFS. Sheffield haven't offered owt, but while it's only one they're just a mistake/set piece from stealing a point. Fans in good voice. No groans. Yet. Let's get that second and bank the points.

Well I'll still be looking over my shoulder until we bag 40. That we're halfway there with still another 8 games until the mid-point of the season is very encouraging - given that we've fought relegation in the main for the last 3 years. I'd be prepared to unclench at around 30 if we could get there by the end of January.

He's just got a really long signature. Has to take a break in-between names to ice his wrist.

I believe he's right footed, but is decent off both sides.

A curious case of the "Nathaniel Clynes"? Might explain why he hasn't even turned out for the B team in all this time - maybe he wasn't allowed to... In any case, it seems like the mystery has reached its end and we can look forward to seeing what the boy brings to the team on the field.

Romeu one booking away from a suspension - maybe Diallo's chance to start while we try and hold back Romeu's inevitable fifth yellow for stronger opposition. Shouldn't underestimate Sheffield United, though. Think they're in a false position. We know from last season they're a decent side - hard to break down if they get ahead.

Well that was daylight robbery - we've been awful. Can't pass, can't create, players getting caught on the ball time and again. Given how shite we are in the second half, looks like we'll be struggling to hang onto a point. No-one is playing well. No-one. Let's see if Hasenhuttl can actually do something to change a game, or if he'll do his usual when plan A falls apart and just shrug.

Never felt quite right backing West Ham and Moyes... (albeit that first goal shouldn't have stood.)

They're playing better than we did at any point - and that's not even saying much. Doubt West Ham will run out of gas after an hour while the manager shrugs his shoulders and just accepts there's nothing he can do to change the momentum of the game.

Not playing until Monday - I'm sure a couple of these youngsters can handle the workload of a game on Friday and sitting on the bench three days later.

He's a teenager in a strange country who apparently has lost both parents in the last year. Arsenal seem to be taking it slow with the boy, which is appropriate - probably going to loan him back to France in the new year. Unlike Salisu, Saliba's turned out for the u23s a few times.

Fuck off. Bertrand and Vestergaard selling themselves on the halfway line and suddenly possession for us turns into a goal for them. We've been shooting ourselves a the foot all game. Tough now.

Mad game. We've been slack, accident prone, almost conceded twice from catastrophic defensive mistakes, and yet if Armstrong (who has been terrible) hadn't missed a sitter this match would be over. Can't help but think about the Wolves game last season where we were fortunate to be 2-0 at half time and got marmalised in the second half. Hope the manager gets them refocused. Second yellow for Prowse wouldn't be too clever. Come on, Saints.

Can't get out of our half. They're all over us. Finished poorly against Wolves and have started the same.

United looking excellent tonight. If they play like this and we play like we did against Wolves we won't get a sniff.