Malcolm Bliss

Isn't that true for every other club in Europe, with the exception of 8.

W2D5L3 in their qualifying group scoring 7 and conceding 9... they really don't. Of course neither do Panama.

Which transfer thread are you referring to? Not the one here.

I do not agree with Gomez's premise. Poorly worded on my part. I was merely pointing out that his general statement "They knew how to play against that kind of team (though it took Rafa a season or two) " was basically inaccurate not only because we won 2006, but Cup results throughout his tenure don't indicate he ever "figured it out" against lower league clubs. I also agree with you that it was a completely disingenuous statement, for the reason you mention above (BR' first season).

Yeah.. struggled mightily in Rafa second year of the FA Cup. That said, I think we were hit or miss in the Cups, against lower league opposition (League and FA), during Rafa's tenure.

Not really the case is it? Arsenal have West Ham and Brighton to play before us.

I wonder if Rodgers responding publicly is tied to internal / private conversation he and Luis had previously. Probably not, but just a thought.

Harsh on reptiles.

Off the BBC Site: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "We absolutely battered them and we are very unlucky. It really should have been a foul for us in the build-up to their goal. It was just one of those games, he is a young referee, but really, what a performance. "It should have been six point gap today and that is the disappointment. Vidic did not have much to do but what he did do he did well. "Robin van Persie is lucky to be alive. It was a disgraceful act from their player today and he should be banned by the FA. Robin could have had a broken neck."

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Cazorla, Ramsey, Wilshere, Podolski, Coquelin, Gervinho. Subs: Mannone, Rosicky, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Squillaci, Jenkinson, Chamakh.

... and from today's BBC Live WC Qualifying text stream: Pat Nevin, at Cardiff City Stadium for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra"Bale has clipped his own heels for me. It's tight, but if there is the slightest contact there it is a penalty kick. Bale has been the best player on the park by a million miles. He's tried to create chances for everyone else who have not been able to take them, so he creates a chance for himself and takes it. He was looking for it, but he got the slightest of touches and went down. And that is what a forward should do." Hmmmm

Wonder if they were chuckling when Huth stamped on Suarez.

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey talking about his red card in his club's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United: "I apologise to the fans for getting sent off but no way was I pulling out of that tackle in a game of that importance. I am sorry. "I have also apologised to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, just where I come from people don't grass people up to get someone sent off."

I kept waiting to see a post along the lines of Liverpool 4-4 Chelsea (Cobbs strikes again).

JWH = Mr. Slate

Exactly how do you feel when Carra plays?

Makes any of the match threads seem like reasoned discussion.

So not a Gerrard fan are ya....

Thought I saw a tweet / comment somewhere that the lawyer (Natalie something) was NOT let go.

Developed a soft spot for Capello after this match. His reaction when Houllier came out was one of real surprise and happiness.

In the absence of dots to connect, a lot of folks are just making them up so they can connect them. Some reasonable, some absolutely mental.

The BBC is a scream as folks try to take the shine off of Messi: Jack Simpson on Twitter: "Such a big debate whether Messi is the best ever. Could he do what he's done without Xavi and co? Don't think so....."Daniel Culley on Twitter: "Messi, great, but that was a woeful performance by a terrified looking Leverkusen team. Ronaldo would have scored 10!"JB via text: "I keep saying this but no one believes me that Messi as good as he is, is overrated. He does so well with a whole team behind him supplying him to do well. Never have I seen Messi on a poor team bringing them up and spurring them on to victory as Zidane, Gerrard and others have done in the past. Take Messi out of Barcelona and he would still be great. But people would see why CR7 is better as an individual."Michael via text: "As great as Leo Messi, I want to see him play at a different club outside of his comfort zone! At a club where the team and everything is not set up perfect for him! Great player but no Zidane!"Too funny

Saw that earlier.. was wondering if someone else would notice. Made me giggle a bit.

Reckon Sion's done until April.

For our sake, I hope Jones stays at United for years to come.