Saint Pete

I agree with pretty much everything you've said, I just find it surprising that we didn't make the decision on Cork a few months earlier as there has been plenty of evidence in his form both in the early part of this season and last season that he is good enough to contribute as a squad player for us, particularly now we have Europe ambitions as you say. The outcome may have been the same stand-off that we've got now, but it may have been easier to sort a deal outside of a transfer window (as we did with the likes of Yoshida)?

The offer has only been put to him in the last few weeks, so if anyone has been dragging this situation out, it is the club who normally do not leave it this late before offering extended deals. Regarding comment on injuries, Cork would have had more games recently had he himself not got injured just as the other midfield injuries were kicking in. Bearing in mind that Morgan is very likely to leave at the end of the season and Wanyama may well get targeted by the bigger clubs, I think there would definitely be a spot available for him in the squad, hence why the club have finally come round to offering him a deal. I think the delay has probably caused him to look elsewhere now though, so looks like he will probably go unfortunately.

I expect it will come down to the terms on offer. Cork is a solid Prem midfielder, so he knows there will be other clubs interested in him where he will perhaps get more games but who are further down the table at present. It seems he's happy at Saints but he'll probably only sign if he thinks we are paying what he's worth.

Has it been on the table for that many weeks? For whatever reason, the club have delayed offering Cork a new contract far longer than they would normally would for players they are keen on keeping, so I personally don't blame him for taking his time deciding now that they've finally got around to it. I think it's probably best if he moves on as the impression you get is that someone at the club doesn't rate him that highly.

Big Sam's managed to get Sakho out of going, but looks like Mane's gone off to the training camp. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9635586/africa-cup-of-nations-west-ham-and-senegal-striker-diafra-sakho-to-miss-tournament

Would love to see him back personally and think he would do a great job as backup/sub for Pelle. But there's no way Liverpool will loan him back to us while we're ahead of them in the table.

Superb result against a very strong Chelsea side that are likely to be champions. Really encouraging that we were able to cope defensively despite losing both full backs for this game.

They do have a decent squad, but they have the extra demands of the Europa League to contend with, which is a competition they seem to be taking pretty seriously this year. Looking at the table, they still have a decent chance of making top 6 and are still in Europe, so it's ludicrous if their "fans" are calling for Martinez to be sacked. I've no doubt we will have the same thing on here though with Koeman if we do make it to Europe next season and then show an understandable dip in form in the league.

Good save Forster - ensures clean sheet

Well done Harry Reed today - good debut. Don't get why he hasn't been involved until now with all the injuries, but better late than never.

Great ball from JWP there.

No shots on target for us yet!

Get in JOSE!

Definite pen FFS!!!!

No confidence in our play at the moment. Need to get our foot on it in midfield more.

Should get that on target at least, Pelle.

Tadic hasn't doing anything since the opening day of the season - are you serious? Seem to remember 4 or 5 assists against Sunderland for a start.

I think he will come good. Needs a goal or 2 to boost his confidence (much like the rest of the team come to think of it!) Booing him and getting on his back during games won't help.

Didn't see the game last night, but 1 shot on target against league 1 opposition is seriously worrying. We need a confidence boosting win and soon.

What about Burnley then?

I agree. Very mysterious that Reed is picked on the bench every week but consistently overlooked when there have been so many players in his position unavailable.

The have had a few injuries already although not that long term ones. Sakho and Valencia were out for a few games but back now, and Carroll and I think Nolan were both out earlier on. I think they have probably got the edge on us this season because they have better options in the attacking 4 positions and are able to withstand a few injuries/out of form players and still put out a side capable of scoring a few. I think the last few games has shown us that we don't have good enough options in forward positions and have little option but to keep playing Pelle/Tadic/Mane and hope that they come back into form. With Jay Rod not seeming close to a return, reinforcements are needed in January if we are to stand a realistic chance of top 6 IMO.

Better options off the bench today which could be important. Will be interesting to see how Hesketh goes - good luck kid!

But Reed could have come on as DM and Davis could have reverted to his normal role as AM when Tadic came off. It is odd that Reed has not been given any game time given the number of injuries currently in midfield positions. I think he will be disappointed he wasn't selected to start this game, never mind coming on as sub.

He's a decent player. Not at fault at all tonight.