Shroppie

Clyne or Chambers?

So give them access to TV replays through an extra official. Rugby does it very well and efficiently, cricket does it pretty well, so why not football? Of course the parameters need to be defined, but this is now overdue.

Good move.

Unless his personal circumstances have changed, he wants to be in London and there would be no point in dragging him back if he'd be unsettled, as he was at the end of last season. Not even sure if there is a recall clause. If things were different, I'd have him back as backup, but I doubt we'll see him again.

We've seen this sort of article several times now and it's a clear indication of a sea change in the perceived way to play in the Premier League. We've made a lot of clubs take notice of the way we play, but not every club (and I include some "top" teams in that) could adapt: it takes high fitness levels, organisation in pressing as a team, the skill to break quickly when the ball is won in the opponents' half and very fast transition from pressing to attack. The team is successful because they can do these things, but (when all fit) can still fall back in a tight defensive formation when the pressing fails. Our long-ball statistic comes mainly from the number of longish diagonal balls played out to the wing: it's no indication of hoofball. Other teams will slowly try to adopt similar tactics - it's happening already - but we are leading the way. I remember the first match where the pressing was really noticed was when we pinned Man U in their own half for most of he second half at OT and SAF called us the best team to at there. That was before the Spanish teams got their Champions League lessons.

Add me to the list too. Nice to know that sensible balanced comment still exists, and I'll feels bit less depressed over Christmas.

Thank **** for that.

I'm working hard to catch up.

Completely missed the game and only just fast-forwarded through the recording. Some decent movement early on, Adam outstanding, JRod missed a chance to put us 2 up that would have been vital. IMO most of the defensive fragility that is the exact opposite of where we were 8 games ago comes from a complete lack of confidence in the keeper. Ho doesn't dominate, doesn't leave his line, has made no significant save. Desperately need Artur back. Compounded by an awful performance from Jos. I assume there's some logic in still resting Fonte but I don't get it. Chambers has shown himself to be a good deputy for Clyne. Cork is different to VW but a strong choice. All other replacements in defence are a liability. We must restore some confidence against Cardiff. Try Cropper, he can't be worse. Fonte, Shaw back, please. Now need to dull the pain with wine.

Please can we not rerun the "we could have (of?) won the cup if we'd put a decent team out against Sunderland" yet again. No, that's obviously silly. Of course someone will resurrect it. Too late. I see it's started. But just remember, when Sunderland get relegated.........

Don't you dare leave Pochettino The truth is, we really love you That man Cortese He can go crazy So don't be reckless And in any case Spurs are really cr@p and long term you'll do much better here. Ok, so the last line doesn't quite scan, but nearly there.

I think (hope?) it's unlikely that he'll walk out on the project.

Just repeating Mauricio Pochettino again and again to the first line might actually work - and is reasonably easy to remember.

Mauricio Pochettino The truth is, you cut down Owen But now you're with us A Saint not sinner You'll take us forward You are a winner. Ok, I'll get my coat.

Just realised we play them on Jan 11. Just time for the new manager effect to be in full flow.

Agree. The work rate required of him and involvement in build-up seem to be beyond him at the moment. Whether it can be coached into him I'm not sure, but I actually feel JRod is a better option as a front player for the time being, particularly with Ricky in a withdrawn role but able to interchange. Osvsldo seems to want to wait for the team to lay on chances for him, or to do it all himself, which usually doesn't come off.

Thanks for the correction. But it was one good point, many good pints.

On my way home. Great day out, thanks to havasac for useful info if he/she is still looking. Good pubs, good ale, friendly banter. Happy with a point. Gazza still worrying, Jos suffered for a slip. Thought Ricky had a good game playing deeper - he sees a killer pass as well as anyone. Osvaldo anonymous, JRod good. Davis excellent, Morgan and Adam made a big difference and Chambers solid. Lovren massive as usual. Luke - not his best. But great day out, good point.

Would worry if we're without any of those.

Tried all your real ale recommendations. Excellent. Deep respect!

MLG/BBC win. It's not raining.

Met Office says heavy rain all afternoon. They're normally ahead of BBC.

Totally accepted. I had many years when I couldn't afford to do live games. Now I'm lucky enough to be able to, so I'm making the most of it.

Just seen it's going to p1ss it down all afternoon. Not ideal for a classic.