shurlock

Wouldnt agree with that-we defended by keeping possession of the ball. They defended by allowing Chelsea possession but getting 11 behind the ball and making them very narrow.

Thought we retained possession well first half even if Chelsea gifted us plenty of space. Whatever the gameplan, Rodriguez ended up playing as a target man rather than a pacey in behind striker -and it didn't really work. I counted that he only won one header all evening and had one layoff. It was Lambert's ability to hold the ball up that made the difference. Moreover I don't buy the argument that Lambert only made an impact because Chelsea were tiring (anyway, a tiring defense hates pace more than power IMO). With us 2 down and having to force things more, Lambert was brought on relatively early in the 2nd half -if their CBs were already flagging at that stage, they dont deserve to be pros. Which begs the legitimate question: what if Lambert had started.

Was right in front of shaw's run -and followed the trajectory of the cross. Ramirez's touch wasnt intentional - was trying to taking it down into his path. But punch's finish -that was the epitome of intent...

Who the f**k has a Marco Pierre White restaurant outside the away end? The John Hollins chant was pretty funny too.

When it works, Adkins is a genius. When it doesn't he's a moron. Tonight's tactics were more or less the same as against City - and Adkins got a lot of stick for it. Fickle bunch...

Fond trip down memory lane OR Attention seeking on another slow news day

Punch absolutely murdered him at their place. And incredibly on the outside for a change. For that reason, I'm out...

Agree that it would have an impact -just dont think it will happen and ultimately don't think it needs to happen. IMO even simply ensuring that lobbying efforts by different supporter groups are coordinated -groups whose membership is tiny relative to the size of the football attending public- would make a much bigger difference IMO -and require much less ambition. That's what I mean by 'top-down' - that and some national exposure from a few sympathetic people in positions of influence.

People are living an idealistic cuckoo land if they fans using collective action and boycotting games will lead to change. That said, I'm not totally pessimistic about the possibility of change - just think it will come from other sources -the media, organised supporters groups and a few national politicians picking up this agenda. In other words, better to focus energy through these more 'top-down' channels. If you look at the history of successful social movements over the centuries, it has always been the way.

Mug hasn't got a clue. Probably paying hundreds each week to watch the arsenal.

He plays through the middle away from home but bends his runs - a bit like what Lee did last season when he played. Doing so also makes the pitch a lot bigger. The more important point is that Rodriguez has a bit of pace whichhelps keep defenses honest. Frankly we were pretty wasteful yesterday - I haven't seen a team play such high line as Villa for ages and we were springing them with pretty routine balls. Would be interested to see what Mayuka could do in a similar role. After all, he was able to spring a Sunderland side which defended very deep. IMO he would have a field day away from home.

Isn't that usually the case when a team's hanging on i.e. people are too nervous to sustain any kind of noise which then followed by the outpouring of relief at final whistle? By contrast, the best atmospheres are usually when we're on the front foot and pushing for a goal e.g. Fulham on Boxing Day. Have never known it any different.

Also a massive thanks to Champ Bailey and the rest of their secondary. But that was one gutsy performance -to keep falling behind on the road and allow two special teams TDs -one straight after half-time- would have knocked the wind out of many teams.

He's shown glimpses and when he's on song, it's usually a match winning performance e.g. Newcastle. But they are too few and far between. You have to take confidence from how the other players rave about him -and I can see him coming into his own next season provided we stay up. I have no worries about him adapting as he's suited to the English game: he's big and strong and games are a lot more open. IMO he's not helped by the lack of movement around him - we remain a pretty static team with the exception of Jrod. His game relies on the space that others movement creates and runs that give him a chance to pick a pass. Not necessarily about having better players but better movement which isn't the same thing (think Chaplow).

Get the **** in. Incredible. That is all.

Saw he had a few afters with the villa fans after the final whistle.

With this golden info, we might be able to get a quick training session in before kick off.

Saw My Bloody Valentine at the Roundhouse in 2008 for their reunion. Kevin Shields is a c vnt who relishes being oblique and contrarian. And the bigger the cvnt he is, the greater the cult status the band appears to enjoy.

Agree the first Roxy Music is the best of the art glam genre (even if by and large its pretty gash). The transitions/shifts in 'if there is something' from geordie country to major freakout and plaintive tracks like 'chance meeting' are fantastic. They weren't quite the same without Eno.

Or compare woods.

Certainly better than his couple of tap-ins in the league

Don't know about Gunter but McDermott has his favourites which aren't necessarily tied to merit. Guthrie has been frozen out, even though many Reading fans think he's their best CM.

I know you're his biggest cheerleader but I would say he's had plenty of chances, he just hasnt taken them. And he hasn't been played on the wing for months now - starting with the 2-2 against Fulham, he's been played through the middle every game he's featured in.

Guly took some decent corners from the left hand side against stoke and arsenal.

A 21st century version of the Three Degrees?