mulletsaint

Well the Swiss definitely made that a battle. Wonder if the Don had a word with his Swiss contacts.

I watched the Valencia game and they were superb. Been pretty ropey in defence tonight though and by all accounts a strong team were pants against Brum in the cup. Hopefully tonight's match'll take it's toll. Michu's just been cut on the head, wonder if he'll need stitches?

I don't think the OP merited the stick it got from Alps, especially as it in no way states we're ready for a top four finish. As Alps says though it's way to early to judge where we might finish, especially as we haven't met any of the real top teams yet. However what I will say is, I don't think there will be a better season than this, for an interloper to gatecrash the top four. Not saying it'll be us, but it's already looking like an even more tricky league to call than last season. Both Manchester clubs have already lost two matches and no-one's really setting the league alight as yet. While City have by far the best squad, they're currently putting in those inconsistent performances that can come with integrating new faces under a new manager. On top of that many people have the real feeling that Pellegrino's been brought in to concentrate on improving City's performance in the Champion's League. While United have real gaps in the squad, with some of the old faithful getting a bit long in the tooth and Moyes currently struggling to fill SAF's boots. Spurs will be there or there abouts but have to integrate virtually a whole midfield and forward line. Arsenal are doing well, but knowing them will still have the odd flaky moment over the course of the season and Chelsea still haven't clicked fully yet. It'll be tricky for any team to sneak in there, but Newcastle almost did it a couple of seasons back so it's not completely out of the question.

Went down to Winch today to celebrate the launch of my mate's first novel. Not seen so many Saints fans in one place barring being at St. Mary's, so great the lads got a result. Glad the lone Saints fan I met on the platform at Clapham with his young son, didn't have to share a train home with a bunch of jubilant Palace fans. MOM for me today has to be Alpine.

Same here. Never noticed before, how one of Dennis Wise's eyes seems to look in a different direction to the other.

Great drummer

Seemed pretty impressed all game on 5live

Gtfi!!!!!!!

Yeah you're right, I can't think of anyone worse.

Above is an excerpt from an article from The Guardian. Not strictly about Rickie but highlights where the real problem with England's performance lay.

I gather he hadn't finished writing that when it had to be submitted.

Exactly. Thought Gerrard did OK and the CB's but Lambert had little to work with. Walcott was very poor on the whole and while I agree that Walker was iffy, Cole hardly looked much better.

Pretty much spot on. Rickie did well first half but had little or no support all match and second half barely got a ball into his feet. Wilshere was dire. Needed him to get closer to Lambert and feed off him. Actually think Cleverly should have come on at half time to retain possession better. Our few decent moments came with the ball played into Lambert's feet.

Christ there are some pointless arguments on here. Personally while I'm not a big fan of the Daily Mail, I think the Martin Samuels piece is good. He states that it's going to be tough for Rickie, while at the same time agreeing that he's yet to put a foot wrong. He even uses Teddy as an example of a player without pace, who many thought couldn't adapt to the highest level, but who at the end of his career is seen as being part of one of the most successful forward partnerships of the last 20-30 years. Seems to me he wants the guy to succeed, but equally wont be surprised if he doesn't. At least he acknowledges Rickie's real talent, unlike the piece from the same paper last weekend that essentially had him down as an Ox of a man who relied on brute strength with little or no technical ability.

Maybe they just like writing about Saints?

TBH the other full back was as good, if not better. Zahar and Redmond did well as did Carroll. Carroll, Redmond and JWP faded somewhat second half.

Not really. Spent a fair bit of time in the oppo box.

They've looked good, mind you the opposition ain't up to much. Nice to see Southgate's got them passing it through midfield rather than hitting the channels early like over the summer.

You never can tell in this place.

It's not a boast, just a fact of life. Anyway I'll take your best wishes at face value, thanks.

Cheers. Better and easier to acces than the one I had.

If I didn't have kids I could afford to buy three tickets in the main section.

Bah humbug. Kidnap a child?

Just got tickets for me and the three kids. £50 the lot in family area, bargain!

Yes, just like the Nazis. Well done you pleb.