OTF

I don't think it’s strange at all but I agree with your sentiment. The issue is when you string together some good results and find yourself in a relatively advanced position on the table it cultivates the idea that you're a good footballing side so the expectation becomes one of good football. The problem, as you well recognise, is that we're not actually a good football side and so the expectation is never properly going to be met. When you're grafting results somehow, the displeasure is kept to a mild level during games and in the lead up to the next match people forget we're not a good football side when setting their expectations for the next match. I do this all the time even though I'm patently aware of it. Rafa is going to set us up in the manner that he thinks will give us the chance of getting maximum points. Unless something changes in the player front that's not likely to involve much atttactive football. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but we do have a glimmer of hope in the shape of this potential buyout.

When you play away set up as we were that's always the risk. It was a tight game, not much in it but we've not got enough in attack to offer a real threat. We've been overachieving as it is, I'm hoping Rafa will look to change things up before they get too stale.

Just to confirm Merini lower back problem and Mitro left out for tactical reasons. Just how Saivet is included is a tactical mystery with Hayden already on the bench.

Yeah Manquillo, he makes some puzzling decisions at times. It was an attempt at a park football time waster where the other team.has to jog off to collect the ball before play resumes. If it didn't hit Mitro it would have been over the fence and in someones back garden.

Our passing was hideous. We're not used to having more posession, which we somehiw managed to do despite constantly turning the ball over. That loss is going to really hurt Palace who were no doubt hoping to gain some momentum from their upset victory over Chelsea.

Horrible today, but good for 3 points somehow.

Diame coming on infuriates me. He's shit and lowers our intensity and precision. Absolute waste of a substitute.

Will be interesting to see how Rafa changes things up in the second half. We're turning the ball over too cheaply at the moment with Shelvey and others looking dor more time than they're being given. Palace are looking the more dangerous for the most part, although that's about as dangerous as a pair of kids safety scissors which says it all about our attack.

Salt in the wound. With their pace up front I can see these yellows hurting us.

...and now both of our central defenders are on yellows.

Cabaye still on the pitch because his name isn't Shelvey or Mitrovic. Nasty little twat.

We've not looked very cohesive here, and I'm worried about Lejeune being on a yellow for ao long.

They lost their nerve and Chelsea lifted.

My estimation of Babayaro just went up.

Worst wet dream ever.

Manquillo and Yedlin offer so much getting forward. Yedlin in attack was exceptional here though he's incredibly lucky to have finished the match.

A lot of positives to take from this, and before the game I'd have taken a point no question. It will be interesting to see if Lejeune retains his spot after that penalty.

I was just thinking how self assurred Lejeune had been and then that. Absolute madness, no reason. Worried about Yedlin too, I can see why Rafa is keeping him out there, but he's so lucky to not have been sent that absolutely any challenge will see him off.

Man City 84% first half possession vs Stoke. Crystal Palace looking reasonable vs Chelsea. They broke the drought scoring an OG and Zaha added a second, can see Chelsea getting at least an equaliser or going on to win if they can come out of second gear, otherwise this could be a crucial result for Palace. If their improved performance nets them nothing it will be crushing.

Sorry to disappoint.

Would have gladly taken a score draw before the game, on the balance of play we've nicked a point. Yedlin excellent for us.

Cheers, good read and good on him.

Where's that from and is it translated? Injuries definitely ruined him, there was signs of it here with multiple hamstring injuries keeping him out. Fantastic player in his prime.

Which explains why we're around them. When we beat them they'll start to fall away.

Elliot should be disappointed there mind, I am.