Lick

I'm thoroughly sick of us getting possession halfway in the oppo's half and ending up going backwards/sideways/backwards until it ends up with Carra and then back to Reina. f*** knows what they were up to there in defence. Clueless.

We look relatively solid, but not sure how much of that is due to City having no ambition either. Unfortunately we're not creating anything despite a fair bit of possession. It's still too slow and sideways, and the final touches and balls around the box have been poor apart from a couple of crosses by Gerrard early on. Stupid yellow card from Masch there too...

side to side to side to side to side to f***ing s****. I can't understand the positions Kuyt and Babel were taking up there - tucked inside, clogging up the middle and leaving the full backs completely unsupported with no option but to beat a man or pass it back and inside.

s**** isn't it? Presume Babel for Riera?

If Lucas comes on for Aquilani or N'Gog what do you think the reaction's likely to be?

f*** me - what a miss

Great play by Masch there

because the quality of his crossing has anything to do with what I said earlier, which wasn't even criticising him. But you carry on.

The Greek might be slow but he knows how to head the ball. Otherwise lots of huff and puff but not much quality. Lots of misplaced passes, and a few to invisible teammates. And what on earth is the point of a corner played to the edge of the area for... Insua?

Now I'm sure this is intended to be funny. But I don't think this is... Jo? This is the slow, pushover, goalshy Brazilian over the park who decided to take Christmas off? Not some other Jo? If we're talking about the same one then I'll have to disagree with you.

Better strikers with pace, height, a physical presence and used to the Premier League?

I think you have to show some bravery and intent in your starting line up rather than have options on the bench to save you if needed. It might be a new league, but Maxi's not a kid - he's an experienced international. Chuck him in for 60 minutes ahead of Degen or Aurelio on the flanks - it's not likely to be worse is it? Pacheco isn't a shrinking violet either - it can just as easily be the making of a player. Show them you've got confidence in them by giving them the opportunity and the responsibility.

So to play Stoke we have 3 centre backs, 3 full backs, 2 defensive midfielders. 4-4-1-1. Ay caramba.

You're right - away at Stoke is one of the most feared fixtures in world football after all. Regardless of the injuries, we're still setting our team up by worrying about the opposition first. How can it be right that we appear to be setting up our team to deal with long throw ins, and scoring a goal ourselves is secondary?

Kuyt and Carra - a flank to put fear into the hearts of their own supporters... Oh well.

benayoun and insua made to look absolute t***s by this championship player. shameful

the defending as a whole has been ridiculous. got to wonder what they're up to on the training ground this season.

try not resorting to abuse at the first sign of a disagreement.

biting wit from king muppet there.

several times including that one just now...

It's bizarre isn't it?

I swear to god, if Carra hoofs it once more someone should cut his foot off.

Anyone who wants to apologise for that display be my guest - that was atrocious. Oh well, here's looking for the next corner to turn.

Might seem a little ungrateful given he scored, but Gerrard has been gash. We just look like a poor team at the moment and that's the sad fact of it.

I'm not sure I can choose between Insua or Aurelio. They've both been crap. One of em needs to get off for Benayoun asap.