Saint86

I agree. In particular a class goalkeeper would transform us tbh. Would solidify the defence and give us the confidence to attack and press with real abandon (as opposed to now where even when we attack it often feels like its with our punches pulled in case of the break). I think Ralph and semmens have done all they can reasonably be expected to with the resources and restrictions we have. I just want a takeover to come in, that will enhance the capabilities of those 2 in particular, and that will help us get a few key signings that really push us on.

Surely it's unlikely to be de grosa? He can't keep his mouth shut (and this has been kept very quiet), plus his chances (or inferred to be him at the time) were rubbished by the club previously. I'm holding out for a good takeover. We have also been linked with some surprising players in January, ones that would be well outside of our financial reach by inspection as it stands.

Lol MLG 🤣 I also can't believe he's tried to argue his spelling was correct... But on a more serious note, guessing there is no new takeover news 😕

Yeah, and unlike your Leicester's, villa's, Brentford's - they actually played the game and fielded a team.

Everyone I know who has had covid has been double vaccinated 😅 The guy who had AZ got it twice. But he did have a quite severe reaction to his AZ vaccine so may not have worked.

Agreed. More than happy to see Tella getting minutes. He's one of our best players for carrying the ball forward and creating chances around the oppo box. He always looks to take men on and often succeeds, and his end product isn't that bad either.

Nothing exciting. The ref lost contact with the var officials. Sounds like he should have just played on with me!

100% he was one that groaned 🤣

Okay its official. You're ralph 😄

Yeah he does. I don't know if he hasn't played with many players like zaha before (i.e. pacey, strong, and tricky), but he needs to get to grips with it in the prem or it will ultimately cost goals. Hopefully he'll learn though.

Livra caught out there, but JWP on hand to shut down Zaha

They're the same fans that can't praise Broja without also slagging off our other strikers at the same time as well.

Maybe, but Livramento is a worse right back than KWP on current ability. No contest. So in effect, one of our best players from last season is basically being dropped or played out of position so we can develop and sell on a promising youngster.

currently 14th, 8 points clear of the relegation zone 🙈

Caballero does not inspire confidence re commanding his area. Is it rust or was he always been like that?

Romeu skirting a booking now.

I can't handle how overrun our midfield two are atm. This rigid 4-2-2-2 shit just isn't working 🙄🙈

He's the best free kick taker in the league 🙄. That was as good as a penalty that free kick position.

🤣🤣

Well said, we really do have some numpties for fans.

Captain steps up. The state of the boo boys on here. JWP was our best player even before the free kick tonight. Still they're slagging him off all the time. Absolute beauty of a free kick from him. Shame we can't improve some of our negative fans who only seem to want to slag off the players.

twice the other week

I enjoy the discussion Alex, but that's not at all what I was trying to say! I think you've misunderstood me. I was just saying that I think Gerrard has achieved what he can in Scotland, and that he's recognised it and taken the step to try out a midtable prem side. If he wants to develop his skills and reputation thats the way to do it - although riskier than staying at rangers for a few more seasons. On your point about saying that the england job requires a "top manager" - lets just take Southgate, he should be nowhere near the England job quality wise, and i'd argue a better manager would have won one of the last two tournaments (fuck it i'd argue BFS would have done better and been more exciting) - the sad face is he gets the job because top managers don't seem to really go for international football (at least for England). But Southgate isn't a top manager, should never even be classed in the same sentence as "top manager" and wouldn't get near a top club in England - surely you aren't going to argue that? Its a shame because we'll never get as good a chance to win a major tournament as the last two tournaments and we had southgate spaffing it up the wall with his 7RB's and appalling game managerment vs inferior italy and coratia sides. We agree? Hence me trying to say Gerrard is taking the appropriate steps in moving to Villa to grow into being a top manager 🤷‍♂️ I have never rated Lampard. And Arteta is learning whilst skirting the very fringes of getting sacked. Gerrard going to villa is an appropriate level for him imo. I broadly agree and didn't argue different Moore is okay but hasn't set the world alight. Scott Parker looks to be a very promising manager. But he needs to step up to prove it. Bournemouth was a shrewd move if he gets them promoted, but if he doesn't you've got to think he'll be looking for a villa level job. Who knows, we might end up with him at saints if Ralph gets chopped? So - Playing devils advocate, thats generally what happens to managers unless they get old and retire at a club 😅 Ala Hodgson (would you argue he was a top manager?) / Ferguson. Is your issue here that Ole and Lampard were shit and its colouring your view of all managers? 😆 Because equally Guardiola, Zidane, Pochetino, Conte, Bobby Robson, Dalglish, Simeone, Clough, Ancelotti, Beckenbauer, Cruyff (to name a few) and even Koeman (less so) were all superb players that did pretty well as managers? The reality is that managers have to take steps up to prove themselves. And whilst none of them should have a right to walk into top clubs, Gerrard at Villa / Parker at Fulham + Bournemouth / Viera at Palace are all more appropriate than Lampard's apointment at Chelsea after one season / OLE at United after Molde.. Which I think we agree on?

Gerrard was always going to get a bounce in form. They sacked smith when they severe injuries. Gerrard would have to be shite to not get a bounce as all his players start coming back 😅

So match day 16 will be +7points / +5GD then compared to last season? Reading the posts on here you'd get the feeling that this is an incredibly poor return by the team - I think some of our fans think that with our budget and overall player quality we should be doing significantly better than this? Another 6 points would see us level with Leicester in 8th and knocking on the doors of europe, yet I get the impression this is the minimum improvement required by those calling for the managers head? A few weeks ago the fans were happy with Ralph and the team. Since then we've lost to Liverpool away (2nd), Arsenal away (6th - we have never won there in the premier league) and drawn with Leicester / Brighton 🙄 (both good sides and Brighton we really should have won) - and we're still doing better than last season where we finished 15th and comfortably clear of relegation. Think people need to be a bit less reactionary and more realistic about the team. As it is, this place is more up and down than a pair of kangaroos in mating season!