S-Clarke

This. Another non-performance from Ramirez in all honesty.

That's all to do with confidence, he always had the ability to do it, but at the start of his time here he was always reluctant to do so, or do it with enough purpose. He's now got the confidence to run as direct as he can, and he so much ability to beat players that it can be a joy to watch.

I think we tried our hardest today in terms of imposing our game on them, but the conditions and their style didn't make to pretty viewing. I've had better afternoons, that's for sure! They are complete dross and I wouldn't have anyone from their starting 11, but you have to admit that they are effective at what they do. Long balls, fowling, time wasting, rolling around, hacking down the opposition. Basically all the ugly stuff, but they do it well and they make it hard for teams to impose themselves against them, which is why I felt kind of pleased with how we did play. We were the better side overall, but in terms of chances and the general quality of the match a draw was the fair result in my eyes. Still, another point towards consolidation. Probably the first game this year where I've actually been quite relaxed about the result. It's good that we're putting together this level of form at this stage of the season, it's basically secured us and gives us real momentum going into next season. Interesting one next week against a team, who in all honesty, are on their holidays. They are now the definition of a team with absolutely nothing to play for. They're pretty much guaranteed a top half finish, they've won a cup and are in Europe next year. Mentally, they'll drop off. Should be a good time to play them, 2 very similar sides as well so will be better viewing that this afternoons affair, that's for sure!

I'd add Boyce to that as well. Powerhouse of a defender. Can play anywhere along the back 4. Always liked him.

Don't think we'll sign that many players, 2 or 3 probably. Wouldn't go near Bent.

I think we're fine now, even more so after today's results.

Sometimes football brings the best moments, and seeing his face at the end was priceless. Anything bar a Wigan win as a good one for us today, and with Sunderland losing (although expected) it makes it all the better. To be honest, looking at who Wigan have left to play, we're probably already safe to be honest. I cannot see us not picking up 3 or 4 pts from 18 available. For the first time this year I'm looking above and actually quite happy with Newcastles late win against Fulham.

Everton lead at Spurs. No idea what Spurs were doing defensively, they just stopped. Good finish tough.

We've been linked to Mathieu Flamini today.

Linked with him a few weeks back IIRC. His goal record is pretty shocking though it has to be said.

Liverpool win against WHU, then we can stay in 11th for a week. And obviously QPR to beat Wigan would be huge, and will probably seal us for another year. (we'd then be in effect, 8 points clear because of our GD) Chelsea should put Sunderland to the sword. Quite fortunate fixtures for us.

2003! a decade ago...!

Think he's class. Some of his touches are pure class and he never seems to give the ball away. With him and Morgan in the middle we're never short of legs.

West Ham went down on 42 or 44 a few years back, although that won't happen this year. We're fine. Would say we need a maximum of 4 points from a possible 18 to make it completely secure, but reality wise I think we're already there.

He's not even that level really.

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Stoke being taken apart by Villa at present. Almost 2-0

Thought he was alright to be honest. Won everything and made a good connection to everything.

What game did you watch? What 3 chances did they have in 30mins??? I can remember 1 which was flown over by Le Fondre. Other than that they were pathetic. It was a doddle of an away game where we didn't even have to play that well.

Villa lead.

2nd half was a doddle. Not the cleneast of performances, but as the opposition were so horrific it didn't really matter. How we allowed them to win the NPC is beyond me, they shouldn't even be at this level. Completley out of their depth. We, on the other hand, look completely at home now. Some of our play was excellent and our attacking movement is unmanageable at times If QPR win and Stoke win today, we're safe. In fact we're probably ok now. At least we won't have a nervy last few weeks for a change!

Like for like.

Little bit over the top there. I just find his away displays invisible and frustrating at times, although he has been involved in some good stuff today, he's also had some rickets. He's much more effective at home in front of his own fans when we're on the front foot for the majority. I wouldn't sell him, but I don't think he's an away day player as yet. Doesn't seem to have the mindset for it. Reminds me slightly of Robiniho when he was at City, unplayable at home invisible away but obvious talent.

Nah, it won't. Once he moves to Liverpool he'll be in the squad every week though

I don't think I've ever seen him put in any sort of decent performance away from home. Let's not kid ourselves that his display is just an occasional thing. It's every, single away game. Still, we've come into the game slowly and Rodriguez is frightening the life out of them. You can see the confidence bursting out of the kid at the moment.