shurlock

I have neither the technical prowess nor the imagination to photoshop anything.

Les, last night was a carbon copy of many the games we saw under MP. Stop pulling transparently self-serving distinctions out of your **** to justify criticism of one manager but not the other. My view, FWIW as you're so interested in it, is that neither manager deserves too much flak as breaking down a team intent on defending is extremely difficult.

What's baffling is that I can understand why clubs might turn a blind eye for an exceptional player - but he's anything but that.

To each their own, i guess.

I see. Chunky Monkey is GM

You must love Jamie Redknapp and his contributions to the English language.

A surprising number of people were saying the same thing, leaving SMS last night. Meanwhile the c**t gets another dream move.

Who's he?

Who's this f****t by the way? Top shirt-button down; the knowing tilt of the face to catch the light; the contrived puppy dog eyes; the gormless pout masquarading as suggestive innocence. Have seen brylcream product models act more naturally than this. Dear oh dear.

It's a clumsy definition and doesn't do justice to where the ball is played to or the number of players around the ball -both affecting the degree of control exercised by the attacking team. Its the difference, say, between a direct ball for Lambert/Pelle to hold up in the opposition's half (almost certainly not a long pass as the ball is invariably contested, albeit by one or two CBs) and a launched ball into the box where there maybe a crowd of defenders and attackers, looking for scrappy, speculative seconds.

Yesterday, alot of our balls would have been classified 'long ball', though Pelle was winning them and getting us up the pitch quickly. Not a fan of speculative balls into the box either, though a bit more variety and speed surely would have been a useful antidote to slow, sideways passing and the odd cross. United showed it can work, especially when CBs drop off and start defending at the edge of their six yard box.

Not sure they would have taken the bait. Jarvis for Valencia was a thoroughly defensive move as was Cole's substitution. Never mind that Carroll reinjured himself and Wham were effectively playing with nine.

Surely you dont need LVG explain to you that not all long balls are created equal? On the whole, our direct play was extremely effective as Pelle was winning most things in the air. Often he was dropping deep to pick up balls -in lieu of either Reed or Wanyama carrying the ball- so it wasn't your typical into-the-mixer hit-and-hope. Indeed, a few more straighter long balls might have been quite welcome - if we had Long available or someone with Nolan's instincts.

Think the school of science moniker refers to everton - either way, certainly seemed like wham had been taking lessons from NASA.

Disagree - Mane had a very good game - was easily our main threat; Elia less so, often meek in possession, content to go back to Maya who obviously isnt as dynamic as Bertrand.

We played several early crosses -JWP in particular- but they they were almost always chipped or floated in. One good ball did find unmarked Tadic at the far post but he dwelt too long on it. But that was the exception. The other noticeable thing from last night is how long it takes Pelle to assume a position in the box, almost as long as Lambert, which again works against the early cross.

Outside the final third, thought he had one of his better games- absolutely bullied Kouyate; inside it was a different matter. In the first half, curiously opted to play a lofted one-two when a shot was opening up on his left; then in the second half, thrashed several decent chances, the one from Mane's cross being the worst. Not the first time, recently, he's tried to smash the ball rather than place it, a sure symptom of low confidence. Thought he did very well to make the diving header at the end; but, on the whole, a very frustrating night.

He had been doing pretty well until the Fonte handball/Davis deflected shot. After that it was downhill and brutal. 6 subs; a protracted and disputed sending off; two lengthy stoppages for injuries, including a head injury; continual time-wasting and a pitch invader -and the officials give 5mins added time

Tonight was completely different from the Swansea game. Absolutely right decision to sub Reed. No need for two holding players, evidenced by the fact that Wham barely mustered a counterattack after the sending off. Unfortunate for the lad as he had a very good game.

And, by extension, why would anyone want a Saints ticket ending up with a Chelsea fan?

Agree about Vic - there's already too much churn in midfield and he's still only 23 (assuming, of course, a concrete bid materialises).

Someone mentioned golf, no?

Agree. Was thinking exactly the same thing. There's already something odd when someone like Leroy Fer opts for the glories of Norwich City. You can even imagine a world where continental sides start developing players suited to the Prem in the hope of getting a slice of the pie.

That time of the year is it... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackburn-rovers/8009664/Sam-Allardyce-I-have-the-talent-to-manage-Europes-best-clubs-including-Real-Madrid.html

Cuts both ways. Just as British fans can be embarrassing helmets when watching a NFL game -cheering when the home side has possession, booing when it takes a knee to run out the clock etc. A bit of mutual tolerance is needed.