shurlock

I wasn't talking about Lambert who was my MOTM or there abouts. The comment was directed at Connolly and to a degree Lallana, though he was stuck on the left until he was given licence to roam.

Chaplow has rarely played CM for us this season - a whole lot of revisionism about his role in the team and the personnel -our now maligned CM- in our opening run of form. While the sideways ball and the slow temp can be problems, especially if they are not mixed up, I think the CM is all too easily scapegoated. If you watched the forwards first half, there were statues - offering little or no movement to create space or receive the ball between the lines. In effect, they gave our midfield which has the ability to pick a pass very few options. The irony is that Connolly, who was excellent at doing this last season and early this season, was most at fault. Things improved after Lallana went in the hole and Connolly dropped deeper in the 2nd half and as a result we looked better.

So you're not the bulb in the photo waving the imperial flag?

Excellent manager - always enjoy listening to his pre- and post-match interviews. Infinitely better than listening to NA babble cliches. Could learn a lesson or two. Kenny Miller isn't the tallest players but always causes trouble in the air. Has perfected the art of jumping early not to win the ball but to put the CB off.

Agree thought Punch and we looked much better when he moved more central and drove from deep. Its something that Pards also experimented with.

Not sure - we've gone to places like Burnley and have lost the midfield battle with Hammond in the side until Schneiderlin has come on. He's allowed to us keep possession better and stretch opposing midfields which have gone quite narrow by spreading play. Hammond adds a bit of bustle but there's more than one way to win the midfield.

He was playing out of his skin before his injury - there are no guarantees that he will find the same form. Inconsistency has seemed to follow his career.

Am I the only one in thinking the 2nd half was OK but far from great? We were pretty predictable IMO. Main outlet was Richardson who swung balls into the box and we attempted to feed off the knock downs and headers back across the box. Apart from the save at the end, can't remember us really testing the keeper. Over the course of the game, Cardiff probably had the better of the chances, albeit many were on the break. Saying that all three penalty shouts were stonewall -if anything the one that was awarded was the softest. Connolly was poor - we were so static first half; Puncheon looked good, especially after he moved to a more central position and Schneiderlin and Cork grew as the game went on, though I can't help feel there's a touch of the Hammond/Schneiderlin conservativeness about them. Lallana frustrated - looked lively but dwelt on the ball and I thought he ignored some decent runs made by Tadanari. Still a point stops the rot at home - and I think Sharp for Connolly will make a massive difference. At times tonight, Lambert was being double marked - a more aggressive strike partner would have capitalised on that.

Fantastic, that's great to hear. Good luck with the rest of the season.

So he's not big but can play as a lone man and hold the ball up. I know he revels in the fat lad from sheffield schtick but is he quick enough? Cheers

I thought we were linked to him last jan window? Tbf, does get bullied in the air a bit.

They'll definitely press us in midfield and they have a very disciplined midfield but they'll let us have plenty of possession in our own half and one of our CBs will provide the extra man. From what I remember they aren't the quickest of sides.

He was an excellent - and am quite happy if he plays. Just think we're going to see quite a lot of possession tonight and expect Cardiff to stick a lot of men behind the ball. Think its set up for the FBs to get forward and Harding offers more there. Similarly, don't know if there's the same need to go full metal jacket with two big CBs covering Miller. Of course, it might just man that Martin starts and Fonte pushes a bit further up as he is capable of doing. Which is fair enough.

With Cardiff playing one upfront, wouldnt be surprised if Fox partnered Fonte and Harding starts at LB.

Obviously your talents are wasted over there Last time I was over the UI, it was gleefully dispensing fashion and grooming tips. Less tony soprano, more vito spatafore if you know what I mean.

I don't think Cork should always start - I want as fresh a CM as possible to maintain the kind of intensity/pressing that featured in our early season play. Along with Chappers, I can see us mixing and matching quite a bit.

TBH, he was a liability for them last season - bet many were happy to get rid. Of course, doing a job at this level is a different proposition.

The Jam's 'Billy Hunt' would work perfectly as a chant.

Guly will play on the right where frankly he's a lot better.

Good song - lyrically, Blind Willie McTell tops it for me though.

Seen him play much?

I would have him over a fully-fit Seaborne in the current pecking order.

If we sign the lad, I would be surprised if we bring another striker in before the window....unless we're clearing the deck for next season and intend to get rid of Forte, DC and Barney.

Thats the spirit. So do you think we'll win? Personally, I reckon it'll be a draw.

Glad you've stuck to your guns- most divs who've been proven wrong would have run away with their tail between their legs and not made another sound by now.