S-Clarke

But he defends well 90% of the time, which let's not forget, is his primary role. Anything else he can provide is a bonus.

Eh? He's outstanding, he's only 18 and is getting better. He will be tired at times, as he's still young, and he's played a lot of games in quick succession for a teenager. There aren't many better players than him in his position in the PL.

Quite a few at home next month too. So there's a chance to kick on. This ''spell'', compounded by injuries, will be the worst period of the season. We're now almost out of that, so if we can get back to the same level with the fully fit squad then we should end the season well. So no reason why not.

The prob is, his value would have gone through the roof now. Chelsea will have suitors from all over Euorpe. And he's getting closer and closer to a Drogba type figure as the days go by, so Chelsea would be mad to let him go. If there was a chance to sign him for a fee, it would have probably been last summer if we offered enough $$.

Yep, I agree. But that wasn't in my post either? Still not sure what was gash about it!

He needs to be demoted. For ever.

Sorry, what's gash about that? He was excellent today, as I said. I didn't disagree with that. Not sure what you've disagreed with in the post...

Yep, full agreement here - worse referee in the country. Should be L2 at best. Horrific at his job.

He did, but the shape of the team was altered as well. We scarified a defensive midfield player and pushed higher up, so we would have automatically looked more dangerous.

Would expect Clyne and Morgan to come straight back in, other than that it will probably be the same. Gaston will still be used as a sub I'd imagine.

He was good when he came on, but he has had so many chances and false dawns in the last 18 months. And it was a good shot, but horrific goal keeping from Robles if we're absolutely honest. Stick him in against Chelsea and in the FA Cup game...see if he can get a head of steam going. He's still got a lot to prove, but frustratingly I honestly think whatever happens that he's off in January. Don't think we'll replace him, but he's too expensive to have as a squad player and that's clearly what the club see him as.

There's no Lambert bashing there, I'm just saying it how it is? Rodrgiuez and Lambert were poor, we lack/lacked potency and threat in the final third. End of post.

He wasn't really tested a great deal to be honest, but ended up having to pick the ball out of his net twice...! One good save, which you'd expect any keeper to make, but other than that we kept them at arms length from having shots, which makes the goals we gave away even more infuriating.

Should have won that, story of last season really. Play well, dominate, but gift goals. Not sure what was up with Shaw today, but he wasn't on his game - and the same could be said of JWP, odd that we left him on. The substitution of Cork for Gaston opened up the midfield, which is why Lukaku scored - Cork would have been there cleaning up otherwise, and so would have Morgan. We missed him today. Overall, a good performance, but another of those classic ''what could have been'' games. Bit of a rubbish game from Lambert, we lack potency and threat up top if we're honest. A Lukaku type figure would finish this team.

If that added creativity includes an increase in giving the ball away, then I'm all for it....

We're playing really well, but not getting in enough positions to test the goal keeper at all. Lovren is just top 4 quality. No doubts. One of the best CB's in Europe.

He had a good game, looked to be involved in everything positive. But I'm certain that there have been much better individual performances than that of Puncheon at the Etihad this year.......so your ''mate'' hasn't been to many games.

He's in the wrong profession. Simply not a footballer, and it kind of says a lot about the dutch league..... But wtf @ tan at the end, booing. He's such an utter unprofessional moron. I feel sorry for them, it will only end badly there with him in charge.

Why would an established young, mid-table PL level player, drop down to a bottom half/relegation threatened championship team? It would be the most pointless move of the decade. Wouldn't benefit anyone what so ever. If he did move, there would be a fair few PL clubs sniffing. Doubt he'd given Bolton a sniff at this stage of his career.

Yeah, or not.

Gerrard has had a great year so far.

There are far worse teams in and around the bottom, in my opinion. So whoever comes in has a decent bunch to work with, they were abject yesterday though.

Things are falling into place..... They've been amazing all year, but they will hit a wall at some point in terms of results. Why not now...?

The key at the start of this season was to see some progression, and the evolving of the club into an established premiership club. That is now happening, ''It's happening''...etc! The key with us over the last 5 years, is that we do it properly. The way we've built and evolved this team over the years is a model for any club. Fair enough, we've had some money to spend, but we've done it right. Even though we've had some duds, that happens at any club in any situation - but the majority of additions we've made over the last few years have evolved and improved us as a club. A few years back I thought NC was a complete nutter when he suggested 50% of our team being home grown in the PL, but credit him - he's not far wrong. We've invested a lot in the academy and we will continue to churn out PL ready youngsters. I think his dream of us being the English Barcelona is a bit nuts, but who knows? He's not really been proven wrong on any of his other statements thus far. There's obviously a real drive and ambition internally. But overall, I think this is season is where most people hoped and expected us to be. Middle of the table, no real trouble and an outside chance of a little European chase. Progression is the key, and we're doing it in the right way.

Yeah, Manchester isn't exactly a place I'd look to move to. The drizzle city of the world. At the end of the day, I don't imagine Adam will ever push for a move. If we don't want to sell, then he won't go anywhere.