Graffito

If any changes (a greater share of foreign rights revenue based on league position i.e.effectively the big 6) won't make much difference, why are the big 6 so keen to have the extra income? It isn't for some principle. The foreign rights revenues are increasing or "burgeoning" as the article puts it. We haven't got there yet.

That's an economic rationale (and one I would argue is based fundamentally on greed since all clubs were happy to agree to the principle of equal share when foreign revenues were small). Having a competitive league may be a stronger economic argument in support of retaining equal shares, at least in the medium to long term. Above and beyond that, I feel we are valuing football in the wrong way if we see it only as having an economic value. I'm not saying to do btw.

I can vouch for the beer and what is a good old fashioned pub.

I walk it, along the canal. Interesting walk if you like post industrial landscape.

Challenged by a dozen bearded blokes in parkas they'd have run away just like they did in 78/9.

It would be a small step in the right direction if people would kindly stop dropping their guts. These malodorous muppets have been stinking the place out for as long as I can remember. It's not funny and it's not clever.

Two small groups hidden away in the corners? You're making it up as you go along. The atmosphere has diminished in recent seasons but that's just nonsense.

I think the players and the crowd expect to beat the easier sides at home but fear they won't, because of the problems with scoring. The pressure extends throughout the team because then we simply cannot afford to concede. With everyone expecting a United win I'm hoping this pressure is lifted and Saints can play with a bit more freedom. May be a vain hope but let's see. Agree re the crowd but likewise there may be a different attitude with Saints being the underdog.

We've been expected to win our homes games up to now. Here's a home game we're not expected to win and this could be to our advantage. A couple of goals from open play would be good so as to get rid of the pressure of not scoring and, you never know, without the weight of expectation we might just spring a surprise and win.

I would say more sang than booed and most, like me, did neither.

"What, as an end note, to make of Arsenal here? There was undoubtedly something gripping about the spectacle of the Emirates being overrun by a more vibrant, angrier, passionately involved footballing culture. Even in the good times Arsenal’s home can feel a little hollow and tinny, an orderly corporate shell. They aren’t alone. Many English grounds must seem bafflingly silent, colourless places to European fans raised on the idea of an English terrace culture. Sorry, chaps, but we sold that off a while back. And please, remember to exit via the gift shop." - The Guardian.

Watford. At home. And we play like a timid away side. I'm not a critical poster generally but that was utter crap. Biggest disappointment, of many, was that we didn't compete. Where are the winners in that side?

I thought it took a deflection.

I've always advocated Tadic in the 10 role but agree he's been patchy. He can thread pass. He can shield the ball, play off both sides. Sometimes isn't mobile enough and sometimes needs to move the ball quicker.

Gabbiadini wants the ball early. I've seen it in every match. He moves but doesn't get the ball. I posted a while back something which struck me as excellent advice. Guardiola advised Romeo, always look long first. If you look long you'll see the long ball and the short ball. If you look short you see only the short ball. It's advice our team would do well to follow in any circumstances but especially if we are to play to Gabbiadin's strengths.

Maybe Bertrand was as bored as we were.

Yeah nice bird. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booby

Jamie's hearing murmurs. You can't say that man doesn't have his finger on the pulse.

It's hard to believe the Telegraph when it claims that relations between the clubs are "cordial", given what's gone on. Equally, "Securing Van Dijk would require a sensitive diplomatic mission as much as a change of position from Southampton" seems fanciful. Like, unless they're nice to us we won't sell them our best player and alienate virtually every Saints fan.

I think it does matter. English football moves ever further from its roots due to money. The draw should be in England at a time when people can watch it live.

It wasn't just the tackle. Noble threw the ball at Lemina after Lemina eventually got to his feet. The ref was dealing with Arnautovic's fake head injury from the prior incident so didn't see it. I would have thought the refs assistant had a clear view of it though.

Gareth Rogers left after 6 years service to pursue other opportunities. Odd timing considering such an exciting takeover was imminent. I'd be interested to know how the new partnership intends growing revenue. I read some rumour about academies to be set up in the Far East but there's been precious little concrete information for the fans. The Guardian has David Conn onto the story. He's just raising questions at the moment but some clarification from the club would be good.

Allows you to play two up front.

Yes, a good option, especially as we have two good fullbacks and look most dangerous when they get forward, Bertrand in paricular.

We control our own borders.