woodsaint1

As lovely as that would be, a win for Newcastle puts them a point behind us. Potenially finishing below Newcastle after the dismal first half of the season they had would be pretty crap. Draw please

So so bad. Forster's initial pass to KWP was poor and nearly intercepted, then Salisu gave them another go. Whats even worse is that Forster could have forced the striker further wide if he imposed himself a bit more, all the while Salisu just stood and watched instead of immediately getting back to the line where he could have cut it out. Second goal was poor too. Just like Newcastle during the week, no pressure on the ball to try to block the cross. Dont know what went on between Salisu and Bednarek in terms of picking up because Perraud had to tuck in on the spare man and in doing so gave up space to the player at the back post to slot home. Whilst we were poor against Villa, they scored some very good goals which sometimes you cant do anything about. But the goals in the Newcastle game and today were all easily preventable. Thats the annoying bit

We'll almost certainly pick up another few wins in the run-in, but even if we lost every single game, 3 of the current bottom 5 are not reaching 35 points (likely have to be 36 with their GD). Norwich will not reach that total and would mean Burnley needing to win 5 of their last 11, Watford winning 5 of their last 9 and Everton/Leeds winning at least 4/5 of their remaining games. Still think 34 points will likely be enough for survival

Bednarek is a better option than Stephens, but not by much imo. However we're likely to pick up a much better offer for Bednarek (international caps, age, 3 years still on contract etc). I'd be inclined to shift him and keep Stephens and Lyanco to compete for 3rd/4th choice* *on the basis that we look to bring in a quality CB to partner Salisu. As others have suggested, a CB with CL or EL experience similar to how we targeted VVD, Alderweireld etc

You actually think we played Smallbone up front? Go give your head a shower

Wasnt at the game but it looked that way on the TV. He deserved the boos, his usual lack of urgency (particularly when 2-1 down in the 90th minute) and took too long pondering what to do with the ball and gave his usual pass back to Forster

What a fucking shite week. Need to be looking 5-6 points, we ended it with zero 😂 Villa was bad, Newcastle was pathetic and today somehow managed to be the worst of the lot Nobody was even semi decent today. Absolutely embarassing performances from Salisu, Bednarek, Forster, Romeu, Moi and Armstrong. The run of good form looks a distant memory now, and so does the top half ambitions. Lucky we've enough points on the board already

Its ok, Edward will be out of a job in 12-18 months when progression under him stalls and isnt matching the expectations of the owners, particularly after throwing aload of cash around in the next few windows

Tbh Salisu wasnt much better tonight. Yes for Wood's goal there needed to be more pressure on Shelvey and it was a super ball, but Salisu was caught flat footed and allowed Wood to drift in behind him. Also gave a few silly passes away trying to play out from the back. Obviously I'm biased and want him to stay here long term, but honestly think another few years at us would be best for Salisu's development. If he was to move to a bigger club this summer he may struggle with the bigger expectations as he still has quite a few flaws in his game (compared with the likes of VVD and Alderweireld who you just knew would cope with the demands easily). But you just know his agent will be pushing for the move while his stock is high

And KWP is absolutely class too

Apart from the lovely flick, Bruno was pretty shit from what I watched. Gave away a few silly passes and looks very lightweight. Wouldnt have Trippier over KWP who has been our best RB and LB this season. However I would have Burn over Bednarek, he was very impressive again and a real attacking threat

Bench was poor - no Redmond or Tella again. Though what I would say is that Adam Armstrong did more in 20 mins than Broja and Adams did all game. Got himself into decent positions, had a great chance on goal, sent two Newcastle defenders to the shops with a lovely dummy - more of this please

Pathetic performance. Cant deal with direct balls which we knew was their only real outlet. Apart from KWP and Armstrong, cant put a positive on anybodys performance. Broja looked disinterested, but has been pretty poor for the last number of games. A word on Newcastle, they're making the most of what they have, but they've literally become peak Burnley. Just pumping long balls and hoping for the best....and embarassingly it worked. They didnt half waste some time with a heap of anonymous 'injuries' and Kevin Friend bought aload of nothing fouls (he was as pathetic as we were)

Was beginning to think I'm older than I let on, but it was definitely 1994. Same final day where we guaranteed safety with 3-3 draw at the Boleyn

Wouldnt want either near our side. Yes they looked better today, but we barely troubled them. Mings and Chambers have been very average the last season or two. Valery may have stepped up when called upon in cup games, but longer term he isnt the answer I dont think. You dont suddenly go from being a squad level RB to a starting PL CB. Its a completely different ask. We need to tie Salisu down longer term and add another quality CB to partner him. We should look to move Bednarek on in the summer. Problem is we have 4 CBs who are 3rd/4th choice quality at PL level, but only one who is good enough to be a regular starter

With some of the players Villa have, they're very capable of a performance like that. Also we've all got caught up in our recent run of good form to remember that we're still capable of a non-performance like that. It just happened that both situations aligned on the same afternoon. Will all be forgotten about if we go and beat them toon w***ers next week

As bad as we have been defensively today, its also quite a feat of our usually good forward players to get shut out by a defence consisting of Mings, Chambers, Cash and Young 💩

Remember watching it with a Leeds supporting mate. He was furious as they absolutely battered us 😂

I thought Romeu's legs were gone about 2/3 years ago

Expected a few changes, not 9 changes though. Fair play to Ralph. He put huge faith in his squad and they delivered. West Ham were poor and needed a gift from Willy to get back into it, but we've had their number this season which has been great to watch. I have been one of the biggest critics of Valery on here, but he was excellent tonight. Maybe there is a future for him at CB. Stephens was very good too, both kept Antonio and Bowen quiet. Perraud continues to impress and has been threatening a goal like that all season. He has a very bright future with us. Seen alot of criticism of Diallo. Yes he was sloppy at times, but he kept demanding the ball and put himself about quite well. Its hard to come in and face arguably the best CM in the PL right now. AA you can tell he is low on confidence (not helped by what Broja comes on and does) but he made some great runs and got into good positions. Hopefully it will come for him soon, although his gametime will be limited being 4th choice right now (unless Long is injured). Middlesboro, Palace or Boreham Wood next round please. Although would take anybody at home right now

Was a limited edition kit to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Saints Foundation

Get a 20m bid for Broja thrown in there to see if Roman wants to recoup any of his losses before he leaves

Would be inclined to make just a few changes, nothing major. We've had a day and a half extra rest and West Ham are away to Liverpool on Saturday and Sevilla next week so not sure what team they'll pick with them in mind. Willy Tino Stephens Salisu Perraud Redmond JWP Diallo Moi Broja Adams