Chez

Diallo was bad in the second half. Gave the ball away several times with poor passes and holding onto the ball too long. I'd of taken him off rather than Romeu. Walcott was brought on to play the `fast' striker (moving Armstrong to left midfield/wing). Is Walcott still quick? If not, then why is Tella not getting that role? I am not gonna slate Walcott, there's enough people on here doing that, but Tella showed promise last season. I'd of thought we'd of seen a few cameos of the bench by now.

It is baffling why we are so poor after the break so often. Not sure how a manager makes a team worse at half time. I'd of thought they'd be identifying areas weaknesses and addressing them during the break. In general, the momentum is lost by the interval and opponents make a few changes which changes the dynamics. That said, since these mangers have started standing up on the sideline shouting bollocks for all ninety minutes their powers to control a game of football have gone off the scale in fans eyes. Managers don't play the game. They can do a bit, adjust the shape, make some subs, but a large percentage of what happens on the pitch is still down to the players. Managers are important, but they are not miracle workers.

you are absolutely right. Three of the four goals were assists by the other. It would be good to know how may chances in total they have created for each other in the 12 league games.

Yep, McCarthys distribution ain't great. But is Fosters any better? Both make me nervous when they get the ball. Mind you, I'm not sure what keeper wouldn't. I can live with the ball being turned over if its a safety first strategy. Just kicking the thing in the rough direction of a Saint would be nice. I have to say the decision making has been better this season. Far from perfect, but keepers have not put fullbacks and centrebacks in trouble as much as last season.

I'm not saying they won't score goals, I just don't see much interplay between the two. Armstrong is very like Ings, in that he can dribble and shoot and doesn't need chances laid on a plate - he can make things happen himself. Che does need someone creating them for him. Maybe Armstrong will do that, but I am not sure. I think over the course of the season Broja, Redmond and Tella etc. will need to chip in too.

not sure I see this great partnership. I see Armstrong creating stuff for himself. Not sure he needs Che.

I do. It was Lyanco. He simply failed to do his job. The famous video clip of Colin Wanker giving Morgan a half time grilling for `not picking up the big man' comes to mind. I seriously hope someone is giving Lyanco a similar ear bashing.

were you not disappointed with our second half display? We struggled to get out of our own half, they dominated and the goal felt like it was coming. I'm not blaming Ralf for that, many will, but I didn't come away from that second half thinking we were unlucky not to win, I thought we got what we deserved.

I disagree. It is close. McCarthy has made a number of worldy saves this season that have helped us win games. When he makes a error that costs us, they are forgotten. He does make errors though. Forster has been better since coming back from Celtic, looking much more solid and I've not seen any errors, all be it in less games. However, I don't see him making some of the saves McCarthy does (which I think is perhaps why Ralph doesn't pick him) he still doesn't come of his line to claim crosses and doesn't sweep well. I'm not convinced by either.

not sure Ralph rates him. He hasn't exactly set the world on fire ad KWP has had a few good games in recent weeks at LB. Not today, but not sure anyone was calling for him to be dropped before the game.

Alternatively you could say we kept possession well and carved open a brilliant chance as a result. Maybe at the death you should go long, but we hoofed it long for the first 20 minutes of the second half it we achieved the square route of fuck all.

You are being generous. Lyanco's marking of the goalscorer was absolutely pitiful. Embarrassing. Check the goal out from all the angles. He is fucking shite. McCarthy should have done better, no doubt about it, but attention should be on the CB. He does nothing. Woeful.

brilliant patience. Great cross and Walcott got the opportunity to shove it down all your throats, but failed. Blast.

Armstrong continues to impress me. Makes things happen.

fuck me. Check out Lyanco there. Absolutely fucking shite.

yes, but at least he has reacted again as the side were playing utter shite

five at the back. Not sure Romeu deserved to come off.

a much needed break in play. We have been shite for 20 minutes. Need to start again.

left us wide open and made me very nervous about what kind of player we have. That said, Fonte was exactly the same when he first joined us - diving in too, much thinking he could make every ball - but he didn't get punished, as we were in league 1 and had time to develop/refine his game. Lyanco doesn't have that luxury, all be it, he is cover at the moment.

by measured, I meant he didn't sell himself like he did last night. He was excellent at Chelsea, no doubt about it. He wasn't last night, he was made to look a mug early on after coming on. I think you may have missed that or I am dreaming, which is very possible. A lack of sleep can do that to a man.

wasn't it just one horrific clearance and everything else was OK? There were lots of short passes in first half keeping the ball well. He went long when he needed to. Good decision making in my book and his positional play was god, getting Salisu out of jail big style. Handling was spot on in first half. He's been very good in recent weeks. The save last week was as better than Martinez last night, and that was pretty damn good,.You know that because there is next to no noise about him on here. Long may that continue.

I am wondering if Ralph is able to make these changes, which he has done in several games now, because he trusts the subs more. The squad was woeful last season. Its deeper this year and he seems happy to get Diallo on etc and has no fear of taking anyone off in any position. Fresh legs makes a big difference. he has them right now and is using them.

really? After a very measured display against Chelsea I thought last night he dived in (getting mugged) and looked bad myself - just the player the Torino fans had described. Maybe I am focusing too much on the negative.

agree, great to see him react quicker. it worked, but I think the players need more work on that formation. They don't seem to understand it at all hence being overloaded out wide and then giving the ball away non stop.

We had three CBs to clear crosses, but time after time the fullbacks ended up two one one and they could do little to prevent the cross. However the crosses didnt hurt us as we had bodies is the middle. It worked, but I hated it. The players in midfield didn't seem to understand their roles and JWP got pulled all over he place trying to close gaps. i bet he ran miles.