shurlock

Austin should start -he's not starting in the league and would benefit from game time. Other than in the heads of fantasists pining for 4-4-2, that's likely to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Messi and Jonny Evans - double announcement?

What was Stephens doing for the second goal?

Very possible, though it reminded of the Chelsea goal at SMS a couple of seasons ago when Forster was indecisive/late in reacting.

Stephens marking empty space for the second (which he has a tendency to do).

In principle he gives you that option -and its a v.valuable option to have. Not a priority but would be nice to bring in another player with pace and trickery. He needs competition - he's needed it for months.

You must have loved Jim Magilton pal.

Forster should have done better - wasn't a particularly good strike by Antonio. Because he dives so late, shots always look better than they actually are. V.unlucky for the 2nd goal. Saying that, just before their equaliser, he was again late in reacting to cross-come-shot, having to tip the ball around for a corner.

People who know their football know that the co-commentator was Tony Gale.

V.good summary (Forster apart).

Any ITK info from your mate in the Spurs shop re. Wimmer? How about your mate on the Burnley board re. Long?

We managed because Wanyama gave us things that Lemina is unlikely to give us, so the expectation is that other parts of Lemina's game, including distribution will be more polished. Wanyama didn't need great distribution when he could simply bully his way through players or if did misplace a pass, he could use his physicality to win it back. Lemina isn't as physical a player - indeed if you believe some of the Juve write ups on here, they sold him in order to bring in a more Wanyama-type player. I agree its his first game and will need time to adapt but that's a somewhat different point. How did Titus Bramble do for the scousers today?

Problem is people complain about our ponderous style of play yet we don't have any other attackers with pace who can beat a man and stretch teams. Both Boufal and Tadic like to slow things down, stand a player up and then beat them. Bringing in another pacey AM or winger would provide some needed competition.

Behave - we've already gone through cycles of hype and disappointment with Clasie and Hoj. Why we don't we wait and see and let him acclimatise before casting judgment.

He's nothing like Wanyama though. Not sure where this comparison came from. Is it an African thing?

West Ham's midfield is very soft -hence why they're after carvalho. Don't think you can conclude much from this performance.

Some good moments, some poor moments. Largely kept things safe as the deepest midfielder. Rightly brought off after an hour as he looked knackered. Biggest plus was getting a game under his belt. Hopefully we see a bit more of him going forward in sunsequent weeks.

Fraser Forster MoTM according to that account

Tadic could have been sent off too, though Noble's challenge was arguably more dangerous. Thought the 2nd pen was pretty cheap (never mind the cross was behind Yoshida) but Zabaleta gave the ref the option.

That was Robert Madley, the c**t.

cross, cross, cross.

Poor give away just now

Just another functional, Mourinho brick sh*t-house team.

No Ward-Prowse?