allawee

Brazil's first chance.........but awful defending by Argentina from the free kick. The goal scorer was alone on the 6 yard box with no Argentinian player at least 5m radius from him! Ridiculous!

Argentina vs Brazil - 11 minutes gone, 0-0.

I must admit that his selection did surprise me! However, many players who failed in the PL, did not fail because they lack technical ability (e.g Forlan, Shevchenko), but b'cos they can't handle the pace or physical aspects of the game. That does not mean they are bad players and they can go to Spain or Italy where the pace is slower and the game is less physical and perform much better. And the same can be said for international football. May be that's why Lucas did better for us last year in Europe than in the PL, because space and pace are more suited to his skills. As I said, I really don't hate him, but I always see him as the weak link in the team when he plays in the PL. And honestly, come May, I hope I am very wrong and he is there lifting the PL trophy because I do like his attitude and his endeavour.

Back to the Lucas topic, and I don't hate him! But to me he is a good utility player, but not a match winner and certainly not classy enough or talented enough for one of the top 4 teams! His deficiencies are too many to make him a first team starter for us: 1. He is a bad tackler 2. Gives too many soft free kicks and many in dangerous positions 3. He does not penetrate the oppsition with offensive runs or through balls 4. He rarely shoots 5. He plays too many passes to other playes in the team that leaves them in awkward situations 6. He does not read danger very well 7. He is not physically strong for the PL I am not comparing him to Xabi Alsonso and never expected him to fill his boots, but I can think of many midfielder in the PL outside the top 4, that I would have ahead of him, e.g. Parker, Petrov (Villa) and yes even Murphy. The only way I can describe him is........he is a pointless player!

Agree Also you could have one of your weakest defensive players occupying a zone in which one of the opposition strongest aerial player is occupying. The result that even if you try and defend that zone, 9 times of 10, you will lose the battle and that's where I believe that man marking is more effective, as you will always have your best defenders marking their best attackers.

Always providing defensive cover. His work rate for a winger is first class. A starter for me every time and still believe he and Yossi were the catalyst for our great form in the 2nd half of last season

It is ridiculous...every time Bolton had a free kick or corner, I kept switching the radio off before they take it....I don't remember us ever being that shaky. So much so, I am even starting to doubt the zonal marking thinking that too many opposing managers have sussed out how to make it look ineffective.

Same for me

Too early to judge. Boss for 30 minutes, then pants after that.....4th choice in my opinion

Kuyt Masch Johnson

I want him to be tried in a 4-4-2 formation, but him on the right wing, Reira or Yossi on the left. Kuyt with Torres and Gerrard in midfield with Masch. I never understood why he is not played on the right or even tried there?!

We need a convincing win IMO. I am worried this season that the spark, believe, invincibility we had last season had gone so early! I hate Bolton and a 3-0 win will do. BTW, any thoughts on what is the best result at OT for us? I know it is early doors, but I still want Arsenal to beat the Mancs even if they extend their 100% record and maintain their early form.

This content is not viewable to guests.,This content is not viewable to guests.

A tear in my eye! He was and still is class. Good luck Xabi, a true great player who was really underrated by British media (i.e. when Keown and Dixon thought that Fletcher and Carrick are ahead of him). Always conducted himself in a professional manner. Thanks for the memories, the great half way line goals, the penalty in Istanbul, the performance against Everton when Gerrard was sent off, and all the sending off against us! Unlike Hassony, Xabi will always have a special place in my heart and is never dead to me.

Great job Morse and a prove that Alonso is pivotal to our challenge this season and we must hold on to him IMO regardless of any Real offer

Good luck Alvaro. I can understand the frustration some have for him leaving us, but we did not offer him a contract last year and bought a player better than him which meant he would have spent his time on the bench this season. He has been a good servant for our club, did well whenever asked, not spectacular, but always steady and his goal celebrations will always be what I remember him for. Time to move on, we got Glen and he is definitely a better player. PS. Great to have the forum back....left a void in my life that last couple of weeks!

It is getting boring wining this year after year after year after year. Can we have some competition this season!

I am in. Thanks for setting it up

I think charlton beat us 1-0 at anfield that season and parry spoke to curbs that day after the match.

He is always the player for the big occasion which so different to many world stars (e.g. Henry) who tend to disappear in finals. A true legend

Although this rumour is laughable! I would love Torres to come out and say:"why move to a smaller club with less of chance of winning trophies"...that would be ace if he did.

A friend of mine supports West ham and apprently they are buying 2 central defenders (genuinely), Fanni and Beaver. This sparked a debate if we can fill all 11 positions with body parts or organs: So far we have: 1. Seaman 2. Dicks 3. Fanni 4. Beaver 5. Harte (ex Leeds RB I think) 6. Butt 7.? 8.? 9.? 10.? 11. Crouch (poor attempt really which) Any help would be welcomed!

I was speaking to a friend who is a Man U fan and he is convinced that Man U will bid 50M for Torres soon and that Torres will actually move (and he is being serious when he talks about it)......I never realised the scum fans have such a weird sense of humour!