Rayvin

I wonder if it's all to do with perception (possibly massively oversimplifying it though). If we were of the same status as Man City, playing as well as we were, the other teams wouldn't come out in the second half like they tend to against us currently, it'd be more measured and cautious. Because teams kind of feel like they should be beating us, they have that belief. I'd also argue that this is why the floor at Old Trafford gave way this season. Other teams aren't expecting to lose.

What the fuck is going on at Anfield. "Title Challengers"

You must be pleased anyway! Fantastic result, that.

Who on earth is in charge of Bolton? You'd think it was Allardyce...

Yeah! I think that really made the difference this time. I could feel it.

Our next two games look eminently winnable as well.

Due to their respective cup runs, Sunderland now have 4 games in the next ten days; the final one against us

For once we're not part of it.

Wise words, in fairness.

Well they lost in the end, although not that badly. Still nice to see them bottom though.

I might be wrong, but looking at that display I'm not convinced Pardew changed anything - I think as a team we lack composure once they came at us in the second half, and our front players start firing from ridiculous positions to relieve pressure (through scoring); that then loses possession. He can tell them not to I suppose but they do put them in occasionally. I doubt Pardew does tell them to do it differently, I wonder if his subs react to what the team is doing (i.e. Shola one once it was clear that midfield wasn't going to play a significant part any longer).

On occasion, it'd be nice to experience!! Great win though.

Never easy though, is it?

FUCK YEAH!!!

Why are we shooting from so far away?? I swear this has almost as negative an effect as Pardew setting us up to defend 2 goal leads.

There we go, Ben Arfa.

Dummett for Santon..? Defensive?

We're settling a bit now but really could do with a third, and just haven't looked like getting one.

Aaaand here we go...

I assume this means we're going more direct.

Surely not, I mean come on! We need to start playing like it's already 2-2 because that's exactly where it'll end up if we don't.

Carlton Cole is shocking... But even so, this is starting to look like we feared.

I agree entirely in principle - I'm just a miserable sod mate, you be optimistic (for both of us)!

West Ham are going to have to go for it which will leave them exposed at the back. Hopefully that should be enough given how poor their defence is anyway.

You clearly haven't been watching us for long - recent history suggests the next half will be painful as all hell.