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You provide a persuasive argument for a ban on the use of statistics among the general public.

Incidentally, I was under the impression all injured player's wages are recouped through insurance. So given Harry's been injured so much we've probably been paying him 2/3rds of his weekly wage over the course of the contract. I think (to a certain extent) Kewell and Owen are both injury-prone because of our attitude towards their injuries in the past. So maybe we need to be more apologetic than accusatory.

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The thing that really stands out is how much of a niggly, narky little b*stard Agger is.

Pennant was run off the ball three or four times in the second half, but he was waiting for an option that didn't come. It was a consequence of not enough players breaking at pace; the conservative tactics. Often Pennant, Bellamy and Kuyt were left to get on with it, and the central runs of the latter two were easily cut out. The team had orders to conserve energy I think. It was dissapointing that Gonzalez didn't get more involved when he came on.

He hasn't really produced anything yet, but has the look about him of a very good player. I don't think he's settled yet.

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Can't help but feel that Crouch could be amazing though if he could bulk up, given how effective he is at the moment. It does remind me a little bit of Heskey, except the limitations are physical rather than mental. From the very small amount I've seen of Kuyt (well ok the 40 mins) he looks to be very similar to Crouch, with a lot more physical presence and a bit more pace. If he is to be overshadowed by Kuyt then Crouch will at least be an extremely useful option. Maybe he'll end up in a similar squad position as Luis.

Bellamy was MOM for me, didn't waste anything that came his way, and involved in virtually everything dangerous. Agger was willing, and it's great to see a defender striding out of defense, but of the four times I can remember there were two overhit long balls, one one-two followed by a misunderstanding and a routine save from forty yards. Good defensively, although suspect for the goal I thought. Fowler was poor apart from the penalty, and I thought we missed Crouch in his place. Rafa misjudged the game today imo, reminded me of the painful away results in the first season.

I think football opinion seems to veer so maniacally because people only chirp up with their opinions when they're considered by and large acceptable. I hope so anyway, otherwise it suggests most people aren't actually capable of independent thought.

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Pennant played well today. Keen to make the right runs, some excellent and intelligent crosses. Good link-up with Alonso, Finnan, Gerrard and Bellamy. Pacy if not lightning. The one problem with Pennant was he didn't once square up to the fullback and go past him. Whether it's a question of something that is likely to change (confidence or strength) or something unlikely (pace/skill) may make the difference over the next couple of years. Even if he never learns that though, he certainly looks to be an excellent cog in Rafa's burgeoning monstrous machinery. Good point there.

Someone gave him a proper shove towards the pitch as he came forward. On for five minutes, one excellent cross and one goal. Not Bad. In other news, he's going to do wonders for our female bandwagon quota .

Good to see some real tactical options on the bench in Garcia, Gonzalez and Crouch. There's a lot of flexibility in the line-up as well. What's wrong with Xabi?

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... Lord.

It'll just be a one club buyout clause you'd imagine. Should be interesting if he does well. Does anyone know if it's only after exactly two years, or any time up to, or through the whole duration of his contract? Could they sell him after one year?

I reckon we might see a squad player brought in if Rafa doesn't have any realistic long-term targets. I hope we don't get into a similar position as we had with the right wing, with everyone knowing we need a striker and notching up their prices.

Benitez trials controversial new 'anti-gravity' technology.

or 'bonita t***'.

It becomes significantly more dodgy when you take into account that Crouch is almost always taken off around 70 mins, Fowler was lasting even less last season, and Bellamy's fitness problems, along with our tactics often requiring a striker able to bring attacking midfielders into play.

I remember Rafa giving him a fair go at the beginning of his tenure. Involved in 10/15 odd games as far as I remember. This site says 26 games. He just wasn't up to scratch. Still, as has been said many times, he seems like a good guy, and always works hard. Also I doubt we payed the whole £5m fee. Probably more like £3.5m.