Saint_Tony

It does seem like our season has fallen to pieces in the space of a few weeks, which like Napalm says, is so frustrating. I really feel sorry for Pelle, he needs a goal in the next game or a break. Maybe things have been made too easy for him knowing he's going to be playing regardless of form. Either way, a team with only one central striker is never going to qualify for the CL, not in a million years. The main problem is, the fans are all saying 'let's get a 20 goal a season striker', but they are a rare breed these days, and if ever available get snapped up by a top 6 club if they're not already there. To think people were moaning Lambert was past it last season when he had double figures for goals and assists. Imagine where we might have been this season with a player making that sort of contribution.

That's all well and good, but it's easier said and done. Do agree though that all our efforts will have been a waste of time if we finish 7th or 8th, just as they were last season.

We can blame Pelle, but who's fault is it he's getting picked? He's having a major crisis, and I feel sorry for him. But in any other team he would have been dropped, and sadly we have no back up. I'd try Long, who incredibly is also getting slated. How many games has he started?? I guess Les Reed and co weren't planning for a top four challenge. Maybe they have targets who aren't available until the summer. What's most frustrating is that some of the teams we've faced recently have created **** all, but taken their chances. We never really look like conceding, but today I could not see us scoring. Just poor delivery constantly into the box, and a couple of shocking misses from Pelle. Worried for the Palace game now

Would be gutted to come 7th now, but it's looking a strong possibility. Thinking about it though, we'd struggle in the CL and would have to play a qualifier for finishing fourth anyway. I'd like to see us go on a run like Everton have in Europe, otherwise it's a waste of time if we're going to disrespect it like Spurs and Liverpool. I'd rather that and finish mid table next season. It's time to accept this might have been our only opportunity to reach the next level. We've tried and failed. Oh well, it's been a great season and there are plenty of points still to be won. It really might depend on Pelle overcoming his bad run of form, but I'm not blaming him for our slump.

Can we get Europa League for finishing 7th?

It's ok, MLG will be a long soon to inform us that we are still well in the race for a top four finish

I think we've used up all our luck earlier in the season. We're certainly due to concede a penalty. West Brom just sitting back now, the early goal was the worst thing that could have happened. We need a moment of magic from somewhere to reignite our season

Just can't see where the goals are coming from. This was a must win game, and once again we've shown we're not up to it when the pressure's on.

I saw it the same, very odd. Once it changed to black and blue I can't see it as white and gold anymore

He's had little impact going forward in recent weeks. Still a great player though. I'd hope the club are well prepared for another summer similar to last year though and already have a replacement line up.

Yes Cole diving header in injury time ruled out. If I remember correctly, Crouch equalised and then had a great chance to put us in front.

Are they? Not been following last few days. We must nearly be back at full strength though?

We need to get back on track, but this is going to be a tough game. Pulis has done his usual job of turning around a poor side into one that's difficult to play against. Going to have to go for 1-1 (Berahino 17, Elia, 82).

They didn't win tonight though, first team they've faced who are half decent. The point I'm trying to make is too many English sides are obsessed with league games to try and requalify for CL or EL, yet don't try their hardest to win once they get in the competition. Everton have been poor in the league, but I admire Martinez for playing full strength sides in the Europa.

Ok fair enough, but theyve done it for every other european game

The stupid thing is so many clubs like Spurs and Liverpool are obsessed by Europe. They field weakened teams in the Europa to try and qualify for the Champions League, a competition they have no chance of winning. It all seems so ****ing pointless. We've seen how far behind the English teams are in recent days. I just hope if we qualify for the Europa league that we try to win it, even if our league form suffers.

Yes, I wouldn't consider the others as top players in their positions, would you?

Yep, for me him and Morgan are two of the best DMs in Europe; they're irreplaceable

Don't think we can keep claiming to be the better team in games, 1 goal in 4 games is simply not good enough. There's nothing to calm down about, we were never really going to last the pace, not with our squad. It's been a great season, whatever happens. We just have to keep plugging away and try and get a Europa spot, we deserve it. I'd happily finish mid-table next season and have a decent run in Europe. We're not miles off being able to compete for a CL spot, but it will be another rebuilding job in the summer when there will be a few departures.

Just not been good enough in recent weeks. Massively disappointing after the Arsenal and Man Utd games. On recent form, we will lose more games. The margin for error is too small now, we've overperformed so far, and now we are getting found out. No disaster really, we're just not at the same level as a few of the other sides around us.

Never understood what he offers. Not good enough for this league, sadly. Just because he's another academy product, he seems to get talked up.

We're in a real fight just to get a Europa spot now. Ref was awful, but we never looked like putting the ball in the net. Our lack of striking options is now starting to show. Looks like 7th is the best we can hope for, a real disappointment after our great start.

Strange line ups from both sides. Game changers on the bench though

Too right, if there was ever a time to make a statement that we aren't going away then it's today. If Morgan and Big Vic win the midfield battle I think we'll win. Pelle's time will come today

Yes, a win today will be a massive result.