Saint Charlie

Yep, he looks a really good player.

Costa didn't punch Van Dijk.

Clasie was excellent today, certainly one of his best games for us. If he manage to start against Bournemouth on Tuesday and then Sunderland on Sat then thats all my doubts dispelled. His recovery tackle on Willian first half was superb.

More of a shame because he was majestic for most of the game!

It worked. We got riled, Clasie and Bertrand got booked because the game changed we took our eye off the ball. He is a ****, but a clever one.

Apart from when he lost Ivanovic at the crucial moment. Unfortunately.

@OptaJoe: 128 - Cesc Fabregas made 128 passes against Southampton, the most of any player in a Premier League game this season. Busy. Gave them so much space.

Bit of a sickener that, but they were all over us for most of the last 60mins without having lots of clear chances. Clasie had an excellent game for us, hope he can manage the Bournemouth game too. Costa also showed how to cleverly influence a game in your teams favour even if its crossing the line somewhat. We became more botheree about them than us after that. Basically though we stopped being a threat when Long went off. Mane should have come on. Pelle was pretty much at fault for the first goal, had two simple passes on offer and completed neither taking him and Cedric out the game. He then got worse. We largely did well but I wonder if the 5-3-2 only really works with Long's work rate and ability to run the channels. If we are without him for a bit then might need to revert to a back four, or at least partner Mane with Austin. Two very winnable games to come now...

His homegrown status is a big draw for those clubs also, even a side like City who don't have too many home qualified players.

Mane and Long then? Or Pelle? Austin? Interested in how you see it.

Of course. But you never actually give your own opinion which on a football forum is bizarre. Who would you start with up front today? I would go Mane and Long.

To see your own opinion instead of just posts slagging others. Who would you pick today if you were the Manager?

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/alex-oxlade-chamberlain-up-for-sale-due-to-lack-of-progress-at-arsenal-a6899356.html According to this report Arsenal would listen to offers. 1. Should we be interested? 2. Would he be interested? 3. Would it be a good idea? For me, for £15m or so he would be a great option in the Davis role in advanced central midfield. Has so much ability and with consistent games could still be a very good player. Main downside is his injury record but a lot of those are impact injuries where he makes the wrong decisions which potentially can be coached. Would be good to bring an Academy player "home" but maybe still some ill feeling between the club and his Dad? Plus Chamberlain might obviously have bigger and better offers. Would be slightly frustrating if a similar sized club to us signed him at a reasonable price.

They have a whole week off between the United games so its not that bad. Plus four games in a row in the north west so no travel.

What team would you go for?

Mane needs to start this one. Has demolished them each time he has played against their slow CBs regardless whether its Terry, Cahill or Ivanovic. Absolutely must pick player for this one, up with Long. Austin and Pelle on the bench.

Atkinson is largely one of the worst IMO. Or at least when he has a shocker its an absolute shocker.

Yeah good signing and crucially can play the whole of the t20 campaign. Reliable wicket taker (most T20 wickets worldwide or some such stat) and very occassionally will be a matchwinner with the bat. Will help Vince tactically too. Am interested to see how much red ball cricket Topley plays this season, barely featured for Essex due to fitness concerns.

1.6/10

Fair enough. Nothing wrong with that. Some of the fitness staff were there with Gardos and Rodriguez so perhaps they stayed.

Isn't it just Jay and Gardos who are there doing fitness work?

No Reed. Presumably with 3 games in a week to come and Wanyama out. Guessing no Clasie for the Bmth game and back for Sunderland so Reed probably on the bench for that.

Chelsea's attacking play looking decent versus City. Unsuprising given the individuals they have but if we stop them scoring then we will have had a stormer.

Agree.

Reports would suggest he is Arsenal's no1 midfield target in the summer. He isn't the greatest on the ball but when he wins the ball and plays it simple to a better ball player he is excellent. He has been superb in most of our wins against the top sides too.