Ed the Wool

This is going to be my first Euro away. Never been to Madrid either. Just need 3 tickets now. Buzzing.

Think Elisha has been on RAWK. Maybe he didn't make the cull!!

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See Michael was giving all the same answers to the press about Newcastle yesterday as he did when he was running his contract down with us. Good shout re City, back in the North West, big bucks, ticks all his non European cup winning boxes. We'll be nailed on for the league if he gets an offer from us and goes there. Can see him going for tea at SG'ss or Carra's and there being awkward silences though.

Whil eI'm still not happy with Owen for what has gone one previously, he looks like he's hitting a great bit of form. Wouldn't pay silly money or silly wages though.

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I'm as disappointed as you mate. But I don't think having a go at Lucas or the manager in this instance is the way to go. There were more than enough opportunities today with that team to get the 3 points. Its the players need to take the blame collectively, not Lucas or Rafa. Anyway apologies for making it look like you were a d****ead. As I said, that was meant for the game thread.

He's been waving his arms around moaning and not scoring for about 2 months. More than ok to drop him. He deserves it 20m or not As I said it was meant to go on the other thread, it wasn't supposed to look like calling you a d****ead, it was aimed at the morons in the match thread.

None of your business. Not watching your own team then? Actually I thought I was replying to the match thread not this one, but the way a few on there are banging on you'd think it was Rafa's fault we were top of the leauge in mid December. But to talk about Lucas when he came on with 3 minutes to go is mental.

f*** me, see the cull didn't get all the d****eads. Lucas came on with about 3 minutes left. We battered them for about 70/75 minutes, where the 'too cautious' brigade then? We lack a player to open teams up at home, Yossi isn't up to it. If Chelsea win tomorrow, they'll be a point ahead of us in mid December. Get a f***ing grip.

Think Riera was alright, Arbeloa was alright as well. Yossi and Dossena just aren't up to it. Dirk looked of the pace all game.

It all becomes clear. s*** manager as well.

Who is this cockend on Setanta with a scottish acent. What a c***.

Ref giving no protection to Kuyt, he's getting pushed and kicked all over the place. I think Carra didn't see that til it came under the keeper. Dossena's effort to prevent the cross reminded me of Ruddock after a heavy night on the pies/ale.

That's what worries me. The pressure of expectation got too much for him in the end, and many of us had lost patience with him by the end (I remember a miss in a Man U game at Anfield as the final straw for me). The level of expectation now is great there than its been in the last 18 years. Can the new, more mature Heskey handle it and deliver. He won't get the arm round the shoulder from Benitez

Although I'm sure Rafa's philosophy is constantly evolving, I think the basic blueprint is still very similar in terms of tactics. He still talks about that Milaln side (89-90 I think) as the basis of his strategy If you want to understand the man and his methods, the Valencia years are a good resource. The difference is his understanding of the English game, which has brought a tougher more pacey edge. But if you aren't interested, I won't be offended

Cheers Ste. Provided Heskey does not have the burden of scoring on his shoulders, I can see how he could help us. We've started playing better stuff on the floor though, so worried we'll start speculatively punting it. Heskey links up well with Owen, we know that, wonder if it'd make sense if we bring one back to bring the other as well.

That's the man. Anyone know much about him?

Out of interest was there a Heskey type player at Valencia, that was used to open up space elsewhere. Sure there was, can't remember his damn name...

As for Keane, I'm sure its a confidence/attitude thing. Still think he can be great if he shakes off this run and stops feeling sorry for himself.

Particularly pleased with Lucas, has shown the beginnings of a bit of character. Still needs to be more agressive and have a bit more confidence.

Was worried after the Spurs cup game when I saw the line up, but they've worked hard and grown in confidence over the course of the game. Shame a few of them couldn't get a game more often to bring them on.

t***! That was liquid football.