Donatello

I'm seeing the touch too, but I'm not sure if that's the bias talking. There's definitely an angle where Forster's finger tips react to something (I.e. the ball)

Long obviously doesn't want to be through on goal :S

Boufal is taking the p*ss now, trying to turn every opportunity he gets the ball into an act of individual brilliance.

Davis asleep on Erikson shot.

It's of secondary importance now, but my thoughts exactly.

Yes, he/she has.

Well done the pilot who flew him over.

Presumably you're referring to the style of football, and not the formation, where the change was blatant and the result evident. The two DMs struggled for the first 20 mins, and in keeping with what Supersaint has said, Davis is going to struggle massively against better teams (defensively). He played okay today though, neat passing, a few bursting runs in the second half, but obviously light in the tackle when tracking back. I'm not really sure why I've gone off on a 'negative' tangent Ultimately, I guess I'm saying I'd prefer to see JWP/Hojbjerg there in future. Anyway, I'm surprised there hasn't been too much talk about the first appearance in 4-2-3-1. I thought it was pretty telling/influential, particularly with Tadic central, playing some fantastic through balls. Rom was my MOTM. Gabby is looking like a class act (early days though). Special mention to Yoshida who was had near faultless performance, backed up by a solid Stephens. What's the prognosis for the formation change? Anyone think we'll stay with it? Or was it a one off tactic for Sunderland? (which I wouldn't understand)

This. You know what you're getting with JWP wide right. He isn't going to be beating fullbacks.

Definitely 4-2-3-1 But with Davis as one the two DMs

As above, Prowse above Hojbjerg is perfectly understandable. He's starting to actually make himself available in advanced positions (as opposed to his previous half-hearted arms out stance when he's not even unmarked), and taking first time shots - I get the impression he's less 'afraid' of the ball/risk taking. Not to mention the increased physicality which has been present all season. As for the subs bench, I like the dropping of a second CM in favour of an AM/FWD.

I often credit Wilson for being responsible for the development of our youth prospects

I see a great future for this thread

I'm not going to get into the Puel debate here, but you're belittling Koeman's achievements due to players at his disposal, but then taking issue when someone does the same thing to Puel.

Eh? If credit is given for a win, then surely it follows that fault is apportioned similarly in defeat :S

This. P.S Shurlock is spot on. 100%. (imo)

I think they count initially, but are considered under the appeals process. Ultimately, I think it's fair to assume that it will go down to an appeals process. Hopefully it's a go though.

Hmm, Uruguay have played 24 matches within the last two years, and Caceres has played in 25% of those, which (by my estimation) would mean he would fail to automatically qualify for a permit. I'm sure MLG can clear it up though.

Nice find. Cheers.

Are you not referring to the interview he gave immediately after the Liverpool match? Perhaps not.

Always part of the plan/transfer strategy, I'm sure Lord knows what his wages would be...wasn't there talk that he wanted 100k per week when discussing terms with other clubs in the summer? I don't disagree that we should pay that, because we should now, we're desperate, but it sort of makes a mockery of the Jack Schmitt claim that we baulked at prices rises for three players (in as much that we're now likely to pay premiums anyway....just not for/on our preferred targets).

Except Prowse get absolutely hammered on here, second only to Martina.

OP's comments are over the top, of course, but if McCarthy was fit, I'd be screaming for him to replace Forster. Forster will still be out No.1 next season though...despite the fact he's never recovered from that clanger against Villa/Agbonlahor all those years ago (in terms of being active off his line). Davis is lower to midtable quality. However, for all his years as an AM here, he never scored enough....and it's quite obvious why. But he was competent there. I never considered him good enough to be part of a 2DM/CM set up, as he has been employed on a few occasions in past seasons, but figured some of his weaknesses would be offset by numbers/3CM system. I'm starting to doubt that's going to be the case. I don't think he's been attrocious, but as his defensively responsibilities have increased (=bad), and his attacking responsibilities have decreased (due to slower build-up play (he was always good for an incisive pass) and position on pitch), he hasn't exactly shone.

I'd say it was 50/50. Prowse had a speculative half volley saved in the first half (i.e. not a clear chance), and a well struck first time effort at the end of said half. But he had a v.decent headed opportunity in the second. Davis had a drive from distance (i.e. not a clear chance...unless you're shooting at Fraser), but he also had a decent opportunity in the box which he rolled into Rudolph's lap Gabbiadini had two good chances off target either side of half time, one of which was sitter-esque (except it wasn't, you'll see what I mean on MOTD later).