DuncanRG

Pretty much.

Pelle, Tadic, Mané, Wanyama and Juanmi were all seen as "unproven" by some before they arrived.

Well, would it have been better if they'd picked Chris Marsden? Noble is perfectly good but not international class. A lot of his strength at West Ham is in his consistency and leadership, which he'd never be able to show from the bench for England. As for Wilshere/Walcott, it's clear Roy means that Walcott has been available but unused or off the bench whereas Wilshere plays whenever he's there. I don't think there was another midfielder making a compelling case to be picked ahead of him. Finally - you must be mad to dispute Milner or Henderson's selection. Good players both.

It's both, with van Dijk a closer third than many would believe.

They know they don't have a chance of landing Vardy or some of the others. They're putting those names out there to show they're stepping into the big league with the new stadium. It's a bit daft, but the sort of thing that may send a signal to investors/players.

And Lallana/Lovren/Clyne are in the Europa League final. So, erm, no spinning that one. They've all gone on to better things with the exception of Chambers.

That's right - they adapted. Plan B.

Hope they can afford a mic stand with next year's TV money.

He'll field a total second string side - they've already failed to reach the top four. They only need a point to finish above us but will care far more about the cup than finishing fifth over sixth. What they might have is a team full of enthusiastic youngsters looking to impress, and we know how good some of their youth are.

Not true at all - they were far more cavalier in the beginning, bombing forward to score goals but shipping them at the other end. They realised at some point that this wasn't sustainable and decided to absorb more pressure and pick their moments to counter. That's when Morgan and Huth proved themselves. But when people talk about plan B, it's normally within the context of a game and isn't meaningless at all. It's about having a manager who can change tactics mid-game and adapt to the way things are going. Koeman is good at it (with some notable misfires), Pochettino doesn't try and mostly doesn't need to with Spurs, Ferguson rarely tried but did when he needed to. The complexities come in how you do it, and are worth looking at, but don't render the umbrella term meaningless. However, Spurs have a great record for coming from behind, unlike us under Pochettino, so I'm not sure the plan B argument works. Their bigger problem has been bottling leads.

A striker should really be considered. I don't think I'd be comfortable going into a season with Long, an ageing Pelle and two injury liabilities in Austin and Rodriguez. Other than that, securing Mane, Wanyama and Stekelenburg would be great. If the club are confident Cedric will improve then I'm happy with him, with the chance to buy in January if it doesn't happen. The biggest recruitment problem, besides every club's annual striker review, will be replacing Wanyama if he goes. Not many like him about. On replacing Davis as he gets older, I hope Ward-Prowse is being lined up in that way.

First feeling is relief that nobody tried to plant a bomb, but you've got to feel for all the thousands of fans, police, soldiers and all the rest inconvenienced for nothing. Could the Bournemouth fans reasonably claim compensation from United/whatever company did this exercise? There's a plausible propaganda motive to that, I guess, but then 'suspicious packages' aren't really en vogue with the likely terrorist suspects.

I suppose non-Saints fans don't know or care about Kelvin's significance, so it's fair enough with a tight programme to edit. It was a lovely moment for us though - good on Pelle for going over.

I think Rose is better, to be honest. Certainly this season! Bertrand's not lit up like he did last year, mostly due to tactical changes. But he's always played well and deserves huge credit for adapting to centre back. I was at the opposite end for the penalty but he's always struck me as a bit of an odd character.

Who'd have seen this coming when we were loitering in 12th? Beautiful stuff from a quality football team.

I can't decide between Alli and Martina. You really don't see goals like either very often. Vardy a close third as well.

He'll have been asked to mention the ambition of the club.

Because he's the manager and it's his job. You don't need to look around for proof that this is in its early stages. We know Everton want Koeman, are willing to offer him so and so and will approach him at the end of the season, just like Saints. No one is suggesting an imminent departure.

I doubt Koeman would be nearly as involved as Fergie, who really was Man Utd in many ways, but that's a possibility. The only issue, as has been mentioned, is the possible psychological impact on the squad, but that's all in how you manage them. There's a Jupp Henyckes for every Pelligrini.

Not significant in the slightest. He's the manager and the season isn't even finished.

He's in the others.

I'm sure he'll say it can wait until after Palace.

Fraser Forster signs new five-year deal. Lovely job. EDIT: and Ward-Prowse!

They could have done, but journalists won't take that as a good enough source on its own. Not the ones that have been reporting it, anyway. It's conceivable Everton said he was interested and a few journalists rang round contacts closer to Koeman to corroborate. They'd need to hear it direct from a source like an agent.

It's a bit different with players. Firstly, they have to perform to get the best move they can. Second, knowing the manager is off seems to affect squads psychologically but players are seen as part of the churn other than in exceptional circumstances.