trousers

How about this for a random and/or bonkers conspiracy theory...Bertrand has some kind of astronomical appearances bonus in his contract so we're waiting for enough games to pass by so that doesn't kick in before throwing him into the action towards the end of the season. (Did I mention this theory was bonkers?)

I make that at least two of us

Reading between the lines, my hunch is that something can't be right with Bertrand, either physically or mentally or both. He's been injury free long enough to partake in "ten intensive 11 v 11 sessions" and yet hasn't even made the bench in recent times....? I accept there's a case for easing players back into the squad after injury, even more so after a "minor operation", but this seems to be taking cotton wool wrapping to unprecidented levels. One could perhaps understand such a zero risk approach if Targett and Bertrand were of equal calibre, but I think its widely recognised that Bertrand is the superior player (when his mind is in the right place of course), so not sure why we wouldn't be trying to accelerate his return (e.g. take a bit of a punt and pop him on the bench even if he isn't quite ready to play 90 mins). It would seem we've taken risks with getting Ings back into the squad of late (maybe?) so why not Bertrand? I've just got this nagging doubt that something isn't quite right between Bertrand and Hassenhuttl. However, like a lot of my hunches, this one could be well wide of the mark....!

Maybe I should have agreed with Piers Morgan instead

Have you changed your mind about John Barnes being a "moron"?

Invaders

I'm with John Barnes on this one

Haven't they learned from their predecessors at Fratton Park? If you want to maximise your chances in the FA Cup you need to cheat by buying players that you can't afford.

Ah, cheers. Can't remember a game ever being brought forward due to a cup tie before. (Which probably means it's not as rare as I think it is!) I guess this is a choice by the clubs (given I don't believe the sane is happening to Chelsea's league game)?

Probably a daft question but why are Everton and Man City playing an extra game tomorrow?

Arcade

Are you suggesting 'Glasgow' has been rubbing off on me? Last time that happened was in a lovely hotel in Milan...

Slightly contradictory statements from Clough there perhaps? On one hand he says its a shame that they couldn't get Hesketh back but on the other hand he says its good that they didn't because it's allowed their player(s) to flourish instead. Perhaps if he had had enough faith in his own squad resources in the first place he wouldn't have needed a loanee....

This is what was ringing a bell... https://metro.co.uk/2015/03/22/arsenal-and-bayern-munich-are-interested-in-young-southampton-midfielder-callum-slattery-5115569/

Subterfuge

If his natural 'direction of travel' was to the right, how come he veered to the left before falling over McCarthy? To try and ensure he got the penalty, I guess?

If I remember correctly, wasn't there a story a while back saying that Arsenal were wanting to sign him from us when he was 15 or 16 years old? Or did I imagine that? Have been following his progress ever since. Glad he's now made the step up to the senior squad.

This. If the ref was wrong to not award the penalty then he was equally wrong not to send Barnes off.

The hilarity is mutual [emoji38]

Also... I reckon there's an inconsistency in Barnes' side of the story during his MotD interview just now... He said that he never even saw McCarthy had come out that far... If that's the case why was his last touch so heavy? If he hadn't seen the advancing keeper then surely the ball would have stayed at his feet? Anyway, all immaterial now. Decent enough result at the end of the day. 3 points versus Cardiff and things will be looking quote healthy.

My initial instinct was a penalty and I can still see why most people think it was a clear cut penalty, but I think your analysis is reasonable. It does look like Barnes pokes the ball too far ahead and to the right and in that split second knew that the goal attempt had run away from him so the best option left to him was make sure he went down rather than try and avoid McCarthy. Seems odd that the lino never intervened either.

If the shirt pull comes before the handball then, chronologically, the handball is irrelevant as Crouch committed a foul first? Not sure why MotD chose not to show the Crouch challenge from behind...

If that's the case, assume we haven't passed the threshold yet? Wonder if we'll start to see less of Ings as the season goes on so that we get to keep our options open?

This. I'm no medic, but wondering if the cold weather acts as a bit of a catalyst for someone who is susceptible to muscle injuries? (Likely to be bowlocks but I've a masters in thinking out loud...)

Nice tug on the shirt there Crouchie...