BigWalrus

Nowt in the laws of the game about intent (other than handball)

Not even going to watch it.

He looks cold.

Can this thread be locked please?

Is the Europa League that much of a draw?

No reason to ditch any of them. Santon is a proper footballer but he is young - positioning will develop as he plays more games. I'm not worried if there are occasionally slip ups. Anyone suggesting Haidara based on one Europa game against a side who basically ignored their wide men, is living in dreamland, frankly. Haidara may turn out to be quality, but he'd be nothing more than a wild punt right now.

Mbiwa seems to have avoided all criticism for their goal. The ball was his to be won. Yes, Santon then fucked up the clearance too, but stick Colo in Mbiwa's position and the ball is probably cleared.

Struggling to find a decent picture to demonstrate it. Instead, I will retract the comment and redeem myself with this: http://boobstagram.fr/

Well, that's one aspect, but same hair, same eyes, same gummy smile.

It's a game under his belt for Mbiwa, which is exactly what he needs. The midfield four + Sissoko were very cohesive today and looked well organised with Tiote sitting deeper. Plenty to build on, but good things are on the horizon with this team. Shit way to lose a match though...

The last part is key. Cisse and Gouffran take their chances and we're 2-0 up and coasting. However, the defence will take the blame for the goal conceded, so they'll have the finger pointed at them.

Yohan Cabaye own goal?

Jammy, jammy bastards

Agreed.

We look canny going forward down the right wing though - Sissoko / Cisse / Jonas triangles with Debuchy overlapping.

He's being targeted by them. He's putting them under pressure as soon as they get the ball and they don't like it. He was booked for a challenge that didn't make any contact, and two of the three free kicks he conceded prior to that weren't fouls. Nathan Dyer in particular is throwing himself down as soon as he feels the slightest touch. They're trying to get Tiote sent off, as they know that they'll waltz through us if we bring Anita on in there.

That's a huge, huge myth!

Looks a bit like Nile Ranger on the bottom one.

Do they write obituaries for non-entities?

Just thought the exact same thing.

Republic was purchased by Sports Direct, not Mike Ashley (as far as its been reported anyway)

Profit...but fully reliant on loans and overdraft. We were essentially overtrading.

I'm sure you know I'm aware of that! Behind the scenes however, we were losing ridiculous amounts of money and were heading for certain administration. Barclays were weeks away from pulling the plug. We are now operating profitably, without silly wages, with a stringent recruitment policy and without the burden of significant external debt. We are such a strong position, comparatively, its untrue. The problem is that Ashley is a long term business strategist and is thinking long term. Fans are impatient and want results now. Shepherd tried the strategy of trying for instant results by throwing money (that's borrowed money, not his own cash) at big signings. It was high risk, and it failed.

I don't think Ashley expects to be loved or liked. I would struggle to name five owners that are well liked. Even Sir John Hall was a massive cunt - its pretty much a key attribute to be able to sleep at night in a role like that.