OTF

Townsend would be on a hell of a lot more wage wise. Ideally I'd want to hang on to both as pace is something we're not abundant in, and I think they're quite different.

Yeah, he's been relentless. They way he drops the shoulder, defenders must know it's coming but can do nothing about it.

D'oh. Well played Hazard x 2

Yeah they did embarrassingly, you can't be stopping relying on someone drifting offside or not coming back before the kick. it was a marginal one even with a line being held, frustrating that they conceded such a soft goal. Just watched the replay and there was three at the near post keeping them on side, mostly Lang who looks to be the weakest defender in the side. It's been a good high tempo game, Hungary look like they could easily score, but also that they could easily let in a few.

True, but you can't have four defenders marking noone with two unmarked players coming to the back post, even less so with the free kick from where it was.

Nice save for a 40 year old. The commentators said he was beaten all ends up several times before realising he'd saved it.

Some of the worst defending you'll see, from Hungary for Belgium's goal there.

If you think he was ever not going to die zig zag or not you're a moron. If he zig zagged Ramsay would have killed him whilst he was closer. If somehow he didn't he would have called on his archers to rain down death on him. Sansa called it.

Good in the sense that you'll need to think up a new excuse.

They've already taken plenty of notes, that's what got them into this trouble in the first place. Now, anyone seen my coat?

There's clearly been a misunderstanding here (AKA someone didn't get their envelope).

So good. Oh yeah, HB Ant.

There's no guarantee of course, but keeping a top quality proven manager who clearly has the support of the fan base and the existing players is the closest to a guarantee that you'll get. The high wages in comparison to premier league TV money will be a pittance. Ashley has taken risks by cheaping out on backroom and management staff and it's landed the club in the championship. He can continue with the same budget risky strategies or pay extra to get superior coaching and reduce the risk. It all depends on whether Rafa is actually interested in staying here long term.

That will either make him or prove that he can't overcome his own demons. He's only young so I'm still hopeful that the aggression and passion can be effectively focused positively with the right influences.

Fingers crossed.

I want the premier league to improve in quality. A by product of that will be a better international side. I've got an attachment to the English game though Newcastle. I was at that 4-0 game. What a tactical disaster.

I'd never make a case for the Australian league teams regularly competing with even the top sides in the championship, beyond that though we're splitting hairs I'd say. The Premier League should be looking to Spain and Germany and working at the grass roots level to improve their home grown players. Years of bringing in foreign talent has boosted the global poularity of the league and has brought about big money. Sadly that in combination with money hungry agents has resulted in teams with more than their share of mercenaries denying the opportunities for local players. I don't know how that can be turned around in a hurry but I really hope it can be.

HBA and Rafa, yes please.

Even still, Spain is killing it currently. There's a common perception that there are only two strong teams in Spain with a huge gulf, Atletico are singularly breaking that perception but even going beyond them there's a lot more depth in la liga than many realise. They're a lot more economical with their spending, the English league is I think at its weakest point in a long long time which is made even worse by the average wage bills which are the highest of all the leagues.

Reported.

Cruel to take MOTM away from Townsend who have everything and scored a belter, but have to give it to Darlow.

Yes!!! Darlow you champ!

Sissoko ffs. You moron.

You beauty Townsend!

Well we look shit so far, long ball, long ball...