Optimistic Nut

As I said in my original post, if we haven't got at least 11 points on the board by the time we visit Wigan in 5 games time, then I'll start to panic.

I'm talking about the opposition we played, not the match order. And I can honestly say we were better this season against Arsenal & Man U than in 2002-3, we were no worse against Bolton this season than when we lost 4-3. Only the West Ham game was a bigger disappointment.

2002-3 season when we finished 3rd. We got beat 1-0 at Highbury. We beat West Ham 4-0 up here. We got beat off Bolton 4-3 at the Reebok. We got beat 6-2 off Man Utd up here. After 4 games, we're only 2 points down on the side that finished 3rd in the equivalent matches. Let's see where we are in 4-5 games time. Then I'll start to panick.

That's your opinion. My opinion is that we are stronger with Bowyer in a midfield five, than with Ameobi & Shearer as a front two.

Playing 4-4-2 would have meant Ameobi in that side ahead of Luque, Dyer, Bowyer, Emre or Parker. IMO, that would not have made us stronger. Shearer had 2 or 3 decent chances today but still couldn't score. Once we've signed another striker, fair enough, go back to 4-4-2.

Can you honestly say we'd be any better in a 4-4-2?

To be fair, we're 2nd bottom, no goals for donkey's years, and have just been beaten. I admit, he goes over the top a bit, but you can't argue with him being unhappy!!!

But when they attack it's 4 or sometimes 5 getting forward. Bent, Rommedahl, Thomas & Murphy have been brilliant to watch in their opening three games.

They have Bent, Rommedahl & Murphy fit and on top of their games. We have Shearer, Dyer & Jenas not fit or on top of their games.

He was talking about those two instances. You're talking about him as a whole.

It's not doing Charlton any harm! 6 goals away from home. Midfielders getting beyond the striker because they know they have a striker capable running with the ball, top scorer in the league, and midfielders chipping in with goals.

Charlton have been playing the exact same system this season, with Bent up-front by himself, and Rommedahl & Thomas supporting him from the flanks. Amazing what a difference having a striker up-front who can run, can actually have on your side.

he probably doesn't even know his teammates names, nevermind a chance to get to know them.

He decided not to do the interview. Perhaps because he knew what questions he'd get (sacked in August, Owen, lack of firepower, etc), and he's answered these questions plenty of times recently.

Next four games are against Fulham, Blackburn, Man City & Portsmouth. If we haven't got 10 points from those 12, Souness will be out IMO.

I'm sure he was crying at one stage.

Given Phil Neville's selection, I would have thought, LB - A.Cole, Warnock RB - Carragher, P.Neville CB - Terry, Upson CB - Ferdinand, Dawson/Taylor Let's face it, who's most likely to be there come Euro 2008, Young or Dawson & Taylor?

4 minutes gone, same old Ronaldo.

Not even on the Real Madrid bench tonight. Expect him on Tyne or Merseyside by Wednesday.

He's an £8m defender. You have the Terry's, Ferdinand's, etc. who'd cost £20m+, then Boumsong is probably in the next group down...but he could easily still make it into that top group.

Luque was about 5 yards offside.

Parker Babayaro Taylor

Can't understand Luke Young's selection. Surely it's worth sticking in someone like Dawson or even Taylor who are likely to push for the squad for the next decade?

He was ok, but gifted them 2 goals? So how does that work then? 20706[/snapback] For 92 minutes 57 seconds he was fine. 3 seconds he switched off. But even then, I feel Taylor could have won the first header, and if he had made contact with the cross for the second it could have easily been an own goal.

I thought he was okay...but he missed two simple clearances which cost us.