Bad Wolf

As long as he's happy to be a squad rotation player then I'd certainly keep him. Very handy CB and adds to the squad depth.

This. I actually thought he was alright tbh and after Gardos' performance at Stoke in the League Cup, I'd say Koeman's decision to use Yoshida instead was justified.

Anyone would think we'd just been relegated ffs. So.... Forster looked like he'd learned his lesson Long looked hungry coming off the bench They're the Champions We only pushed so many men forward because they were down to 10 men. That's what cost us Bertrand was very good JWP and Gallagher are due back in a couple of weeks (to replace Morgan and Pelle when they pick up their ban winning yellow cards) We're still 3rd As another post has said in the 'reactions thread', we forced City to play their absolute best None of our 4 yellow card players picked up a booking Add your own....

It started in August. If we lose today or even lose the next 3 it isn't gonna ruin our season, as long as we can keep the confidence high and keep playing the way we do. Arsenal have made a living out of getting into top 4 and not beating the big boys. Cork needs to start today if Davis isn't fit. As others have said, midfield 3 of Wanyama, Schneiderlin and Cork with Tadic and Long on either wing. Mane as an impact sub.

Sounds like he just got sick of supporting United because they turned crap and wanted to support a team doing well, with solid infrastructure and not one of the other "big teams" so his plastic ways wouldn't be so apparent. I doubt his faith had much to do with this. Just seems like your average glory hunter.

It wasn't that many. It was 4 or 5 and some of them, his team mate had to really make an effort to get there. This isn't just something I've thought tonight, I've noticed over the lsat 3 or 4 games his diagonal balls aren't quite as good as some people make out.

Deserved draw on both parts. Villa deserved the point for the effort they put into keeping us out. Our final ball was dreadful all evening, that needs some serious work. Clyne and Wanyama were the only ones who looked like they gave a ****. I'm starting to think these "amazing" diagonal balls that Morgan plays are only looked at as such because he plays so many of them every game, he's bound to get the odd one right every now and again. Most of them either get headed away with ease or the reciprocant has to really jog back to try and get to it. Also, as the commentator pointed out tonight, because it's in the air so long it gives the opposition a chance to get their shape back. Not too disappointed with a draw but I'm not over the moon either. The bottom line is, if we beat City on Sunday this will be looked at as a brilliant point.

Thank you!!! I thought I was the only one!

Well not much has happened since then. It was a quiet, boring summer.

We'd miss him at the back, big time. I think I've read Gardos can play there and his ball distribution seems pretty good. I'd rather keep Alderweireld at CB.

Not enough creativity in that midfield IMO. If Tadic is fit then I'd put him in the centre, behind Pelle. He can be just as effective there I think was on the wing while Wanyama and Cork guard the back 4. That's if Morgan and Davis aren't fit of course.

Yes, me too. I also liked the shot of 'Arry looking miserable after we scored 2 minutes after them Thanks for posting, OP. I enjoyed that!

He does do some things better than Lallana. Tadic's final ball is a million times better than Lallana's but Lallana's also better at some things, turning and dribbling for two (which Tadic is also very good at it's just Lallana has such a unique way of doing it). Tadic and Lallana on either wing would be amazing.

If he'd had ten good games for a "big club" or even five good games for a big club, he'd be in there.

I've been very critical of Long this season, I've often said he's been our weak link but he really made a difference today. Even for that 2nd goal I was screaming at him to square it to Pelle who was onside but he took it on and scored, fair play to him. Wanyama and Bertrand were outstanding too. Always been a fan of Wanyama, glad his class is becoming more apparent. I still maintain that whoever we're playing, Wanyama, Cork, Schiederlin should be our midfield 3. People have said Wanyama should only start if we're facing a team that could cause us problems but look at him today. Amazing performance for the last 3 games

Maybe not Cork then. Maybe I am being a bit biased as a Saints fan but there are several players I'd rather see in the England squad than Carrick. My issue isn't so much that Cork isn't in, it's who IS in instead of him. Mark Noble would have been a welcome addition for me.

I'm not disputing that. But I was surprised but presently surprised. I see Carrick is in, assuming he's going as a CM (having played for United at CB at the weekend) then it's a joke that he's going instead of Cork

Anyone know what time it is? I hope Clyne actually gets a game this time. Bertrand and Cork could quite easily be in but I very much doubt it. Also, I'm hearing Stewart Downing has been recalled! On another note, Yoshida, Gardos, Davis and Alderweirald have been called up for their National teams. (Possibly more but those are just off the top of my head)

I thought Wanyama was absolutely outstanding today. Even if you take his goal away he was amazing, his goal was just the icing on the cake. Top performance, that's why we've got him. When we play him, especially away from home it's almost like having an extra CB on the field as well as a midfielder. Clyne was quality today too but Victor was the best player on the pitch by a mile

I remember Bristol City away in 2008 (I think) under George Burley. We were 2-0 down and Bradley Wright Phillips scored for us and the crowd went mental asif we'd just won the League. I got boiling hot tea spilt over my head!

Le Tissier retired more than 10 years ago. Can't see how anyone could leave out Kelvin Davis!

Didn't expect Tadic to start. Was even having my doubts about Pelle. Both looked shattered by the end on Saturday

I don't get the Cork situation. He's been nothing but solid for us yet that's 3 different Saints managers that just see him as a squad player. If I had to choose which one to keep, I'd rather J-Rod left for a healthy fee than Cork walked for nothing

Good read. The only part I disagree with is the bit where it says "Toby Alderweireld isn't as calm as Lovren". I disagree with that strongly, I think Alderweireld is a lot more calm than Lovren

Tadic I would imagine. He took the one in the cup at Arsenal and I can't remember anyone being left out/rested who would be thought of as a stand out penalty taker