S-Clarke

These 3 games mean very little in the grand scheme of things. Just 3 bonus games, no pressure on them really. We don't come across as the sort of side to get hung over on a defeat, so I wouldn't be worried about the forthcoming fixtures what so ever. If we pick ourselves up and win against the likes of Everton, WHU, Swansea, Burnley, Palace etc then we'll be in contention for where we want to be. I still think it's impressive we're even talking about a potential top 6 finish, but that shows how good our start has been. We'll most likely pull of a 'big' result somewhere along the lines this season, it's not like we've played them all all ready. And who knows, it may well be tomorrow. I won't lose any sleep if it isn't though, as I know we're well ahead of where we were expected to be.

It's not though, is it?

Welcome to Football. That's all we are, as harsh as that is to accept. The reality is that our top players will always move on for better. If we manage to secure a potential top player, it will always be with a view to developing him and if he does well - he will springboard to a bigger club. Not really negative, more just realism. Unless we have a zillionaire backer, this is how it will stay. Same for Swansea, Newcastle, Everton, WHU and all the other sides outside of the elite. In theory, we'd all be used as a stepping stone for most players if they do well.

That's Arsenal's version of Alpine Saint right there.

I truly hope I never see the day when we have a thug like that in our team. He's not a ''footballer''.

Southampton have scored more goals against Sunderland this season than Liverpool have scored at home.

Chelsea were always going to lose eventually, wonder if their forum is going off on one right now? Keeps them in our sights.

Not really worried about any transfer, more worried that the injury is worse than is being let on (or not let on about at all!) We'll find out sooner rather than later i guess.

tbh sotonist, we are not weak in midfield. A club of our size will never ever have more midfield options than we have right now. Cork, Wanyama, Morgan, Davis, Reed, JWP, Toby - all can play there. Cork, Morgan, JWP, Toby all injured. Very little as a club we can do to prepare for that.

The lack of any real substance on Morgan worries me. Been a case of ''not sure how long, but he's out for this game'' for the last 2.

Just unlucky more than anything, as a club of our size our midfield options are pretty immense so there's nothing we can actually do about it tbh. Just have to suck it up and accept the bad luck, cause that's all it is right now. No point complaining about a lack of cover in an area we actually did have plenty of cover.

Ronald has advised the club he wishes to tie Cork down to an extended deal.

Gutted for Cork, bit suspect about Morgan. Hope this isn't going to be another one of those injuries that's quite bad, but the club keep under wraps! Sounds good on Toby and Tadic at least....luckily midfield is our strongest area!

Yep, they play Southport! So in theory....they have a chance to get to the big round. Aldershot are still in it to, which we shouldn't forget

I think it would be a bit misguided for us to go and spend, spend, spend in January - as the expectation of everyone is then permanently changed, and if we don't make it....we could be a bit of a mess the following season! I don't think we operate like that, we seem to have a stable policy and know what we want and when we want it. I'm not thinking about top 4, as that's not even in the remit...but top 6, possibly. If you look at the usual sides who are in and around the Top 6, they're struggling. Spurs, Everton being the 2 main ones at the mo. If we can keep our heads above those 2 sides - not really worried about the City's, Uniteds etc......then we can give ourselves a great chance for a top 6 finish. West Ham, Newcastle and Swansea are in and around it at the mo as well....but I think we're in exactly the same boat as those sides in terms of squad, so it's quite open I'd say.

I'd be tempted to give him a full season up there before taking a punt. Hasn't managed an injury free season in like..forever. But I imagine a few clubs are following that same mindset...

I don't think it's premature what so ever, as has been said he's been here for coming up 3 years now. The criticism of Mane is premature, and he's already shown more in his first few games than Mayuka has ever shown for us. Mayuka actually went out on loan to a relegated (I think?) French side last year, and didn't do anything - was just a bench player for them most of the time. He's been given an opportunity with us this season, but it's not going to happen. His touch isn't tight enough, his awareness isn't good enough, his technique isn't anywhere near good enough for this level. He was a poor signing for us, and if I remember rightly...a NC signing at the time, as he brokered the deal to avoid agent involvement.

Our crossing at the moment is the one thing that irks me, I must say. The full backs - Clyne and Bertrand can ping some great balls in there, but they're not always available in attack....so you're looking for players like Tadic to be able to pick one out, but over the last 4 games he hasn't been able to beat the first man once. He looks like he's running on empty, as his crosses just have no elevation or 'energy' behind them. I love Tadic, I think he's class...but if you look at his performance in the league cup, and then against Arsenal last night, there was such a stark difference. He's dipped alarmingly.

Probably the Burnley game, or just after. (Going by the 3 weeks Koeman said in the pre-city presser)

So, now people have moved from Forster onto Mane I see. Jesus wept, can't we just accept a few bad performances and actually realize how well we'e actually done, rather than seemingly requiring the need to have a player to berate. This is Mane, he will frustrate and delight. You have to take the rough with the smooth with players like him, but he's shown enough during his time here to prove that he's got something in his locker. I see a lot of people calling for Isgrove, but why? Can I ask what has he ever done at a high level to indicate he is good enough and a better alternative to a full international in mane? Why isn't he on the bench if that's the case?

Looks like a poor version of Antonio, no joke either. Just horrific.

It shows that no one expected what we have right now, so bloody well enjoy it and stop moaning at us losing 2 games, and the fact that our squad isn't as strong as Chelsea, Spurs, Man City etc...it isn't, and never will be - so stop hoping for that. We're not top 4, we won't get top 4. No one believed it at the start, and still shouldn't. We may finish 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th - that's our sort of zone based on what we've seen this year, and a bloody lot better than anyone predicted - so those complaining, pipe the **** down.

You are so silly, ART.

You'll get used to Tony, he comes over as a bit of a silly billy to be honest.

4th.