the wedge

Bumped into Gordon and his wife outside John Lewis in Edinburgh not long ago, he was carrying a box on his head. Perhaps to make himself look taller and more threatening.

To quote my Roma supporting friend: ‘I’m so, so sorry.’

What was it that Blackmore said? Can't find the quote anywhere...

4-0 down, with a first half red card.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/08/04/pierre-emile-hojbjergon-brink-joining-tottenham-for15million/

Wonder if those blue shorts are just the GK ones...

Anyone else see the Fulham owner gesticulating wildly to Targett in a way that more than suggested 'Stay here with us' as he waited for the trophy? Tough decision for the lad, I think. Saints through and through, but I think the way he's been ignored whilst on loan might leave a sour taste.

A few thoughts from the game, FWIW. Seemed to set up to not concede for 120 minutes and try, fleetingly, to break on a swift counter whenever we could. We seemed to be a bit more direct, Long and Austin won a fair share of headers up top but with no one from midfield following the path of the ball, Chelsea were picking up every loose ball. Seemed to be a training exercise in attacking scenarios from their point of view. That said, I thought we defended really solidly in the first half. Yoshi made a blinding tackle in our box which sticks out. Plenty of bodies blocking efforts as well. The effort was there, but we were just not getting forward quickly or often enough. Lemina is an absolute show pony, however. I'd honestly forgotten he was on the field in the first half. Despite the disciplined back line, you knew we couldn't keep it up for 120 minutes and the only surprise was that it took 46 minutes for them to score. I think it was the best thing to happen to us. We woke up, players started giving a **** and we came out of our shells. We took risks, got bodies forward and but for Long's touch and the keeper's non save from Redmond, we'd have got back on level terms. Baffled as to why Højbjerg was taken off ahead of Lemina, particularly as he was on a yellow. Pierre was everywhere, chasing, tackling and doing the jobs of two men. Redmond looked lively and I'd start him against Bournemouth. And the only thing captain about Bertrand is the armband. Give it to Højbjerg, or to Maya, who clearly leave nothing left on the pitch when they're done. Not surprised at the result, but still left with a feeling of real deflation. Need something to go our way. Badly.

Likewise, I'd love a ticket for this weekend if anyone's got one spare. Thanks all.

Nah, still there.

BBC wondered if Fraser had a knock too...

One of those ones that would probably go through on appeal.

Unbelievable. I'm gobsmacked. And utterly delighted. Jack Stephens, take a bow son.

Sorry if it's been covered elsewhere, but does anyone know what McCarthy's injury is?

Breaks me to say it, but I can't see us getting anything from this leg. Never know with the cup, but it's going to be a monumental challenge. I went to the Brentford/Eastleigh game today in the away end and despite being outplayed and outgunned, the Eastleigh boys (and most of them were just that) never stopped singing and supporting the side. Even after being 5-1 down at HT. Need that mentality from our fans this week. Support the players, sing loudly and proudly and let's see what happens.