austsaint

Agree with this, though young Targett doesn't get forward that much (yet) either. Elia has to start on the left to provide the speed and offensive threat.

I'm sure the SFC balance sheet these days could easily accommodate a living wage without a ripple or an economic red flag.

Watched the game on Sky in Oz - they had close ups of the gash and it was a decent one; probably has since been stiched. Many other players would have been rolling and writhing on the ground clutching their head....not our Maya, which might have been the thing that saved Cole. He has been playing out of his skin since returning from the Asia Cup - his left foot is really decent!!!!

I thought Davis provided plenty of forward thrust and attacking passes - would have been asking a lot of Djuricic at this stage; Wanyama does get forward a bit and can produce penetrative passes while JWP's role as an attacking Mid is still to be proved, dead ball delivery aside.

As time passes I think more people will be agreeing with you; I already do.

Bagging referees is a national and international pastime but last nights lot (including the flag wavers) were a new low. The corner not given from Davo's shot at goal in the second half (serious deflection) was among the biggest clangers.

Much to sensible and accurate report for a veteran of 9K posts let alone 9! Well said and please write more.

Hard, but polite bastard.

We saw a few extra dimensions to his game tonight as well. Got forward a bit, took on a defender or two and supplied several telling crosses and through balls into the box. A player with a future for sure.

I often agree with your observations, but not this one. Davis was excellent all night, ran at the defence and provided several incisive balls to Pelle, Mane, Elia. His corners and dead ball delivery were also good. Needs a goal, no doubting that.

Obviously a frustrating outcome since we were well on top even before the keeper's "Boruc" moment. I thought we lost a bit of momentum after Mane went off, he was once again clearly the biggest attacking threat. Our midfield was excellent tonight and what about Reed? He showed glimpses that he is more than a DM, has an eye for a run and killer pass as well. Hasn't Yoshida done well filling in at LB - Fonte was good so was Clyne. It was two points dropped.

Reed, Davis and Wanyama all impressive.

I think Pelle has been great all season, and but for the woodwork would have a greater goal tally - he also commands the attention of several key defenders which means more room for the likes of Mane and Elia to exploit. He's probably missing the sharp service he was getting from Tadic prior to Christmas.

Yes, but of that list, how many of them take all/majority corners and free kicks like our future England Captain. I can only remember the one/one with Mane resulting in an assist from open play. The other feature about that list is all of those players have various skills and qualities JWP doesn't - either athleticism, interceptions, tackling, driving forward with the ball, aerial ability, taking on and beating a man etc.

Sakho and Valencia loom as the threats to us on Wednesday judged by what they have done since our comfortable win at Upton Park.

Agree with you Nick. You could tell from the off that Mane had exceptional skills, pace, two footed ability. The comments on here early on were bizarre; he not only can score goals but his assists and penetrative passes/trickery are up with the best attacking midfielders going round. He really is a mixture of striker, A/M and winger. If we get to Europe Sadio Mane will have had a big part in the process.

One good goal disallowed too by the "dubious goal committee".

Lucky for Elia he wasn't juggling 3 balls at the same time! Good question though, Dunne was lucky to stay on as was Barton.

Mane "redeemed" himself? He was exceptional from start to finish, wasn't he?

JWP is 20 and he is certainly not a class act (yet, maybe never). He did pass tidily today and as usual ran around a lot but he was leaky in defensive duties and gave the ball away in dangerous areas. He is getting every opportunity but time for a rest against the Hammers.

At least you're owning up Simo. He's a beauty isn't he?

What an exciting player is Mane - and a great finish. Pelle looks like he needs a spell; we missed Big Vic in the last 30 minutes; I thought Yoshida did well playing out of position, Gardos not bad either alongside Fonte.

Mane particularly and Elia lively, they look our main threat. Tadic has to come on.

Spuds look very sharp. I guess Poch isn't getting the sack anytime soon.

Hey Grigsy; you've got balls coming in for another serve after the "Guardian" blooper. Touche.