OhForAGreavsie

Agreed.

I see. Well, if he wants 10, I see no reason why he shouldn't get it. For now however, Willian is yet to take up an alternative offer so it seems he's still holding out hope of keeping it for a few seasons more.

Interesting. Is that so even in tournament play? As a protest against international breaks, which I loathe, I only watch international tournaments and completely ignore in-season matches. Last time I noticed however, run-of-the-mill international fixtures tend to feature starters wearing 1 to 11 don't they? There is room for more flexibility during tournaments, but I've known some coaches to resist pandering to marketing preferences. For example, some just go with alphabetical order, or at least some have done in the past. National associations, like the FA, are not immune to exploiting famous shirt numbers in their own marketing however.

Ah, Watneys. I'm tearing up.

Poor little Man United, trying to compete with all those rich clubs. You've got to love a trier. 🙂

People who describe Michy in that way are as wrong as you are. Frequently, when I make this point, I mention my own feelings about Chris Sutton. I was so furious the moment I heard we had signed Sutton that I very nearly threw a party 7 can through a mate's window. True story. If I can keep my cool and stick to criticising Sutton without stepping over the line, then I think everyone can do the same for the players they don't rate.

I will never understand why self-professed Chelsea fans talk about Chelsea players in such terms.

There will be agents, high powered execs and club officials in that discussion before it's decided, but why not stick with 22 and establish a legacy number of his own? Some people have managed to get out from Pele's shadow; Best made no. 7 a big thing, Michael Jordan made his number almost as famous as Pele's despite playing what is a minority sport when compared to football. There's no danger Pulli can make 22 as big as 10 or 23 but he can create a strong association of his own. I'd advise him to stick with the number he's worn his entire professional career.

I think if we look across the entire season then Kova has to be in the conversation. In fact, I have Kova on top of the list.

Good, good player but it looks like we would not even have been his second choice destination. Such a shame, but we move on.

This is an issue for CHO I think. I'm reading comments here about his passing not being good and/or that he's edgy and a bit too inclined to go for glory. These are symptoms of a lack of confidence. In development games, where it was clear to everyone, Callum included, that he was a standout, his passing was a big positive and his decision making was calm and cool eyed. He didn't need to prove that he belonged at that level and, as a result, he proved it all of the time. Look, for example, at his pass for Tino's goal in the 2018 Youth Cup Final. I was behind the goal at the far end that night, but you could see from the moment Callum picked up the ball that he already knew the pass he was going to play 30 metres later. When the pass came, its timing, weight and angle were absolute perfection. Look too at his performance in the U17 World Cup Final earlier that season. Phil Foden scored twice and picked up man of the match, but it was Callum who produced the game's deciding performance. That was one of the moments I liked from him. He was decisive, sharp and the shot was well struck, just misdirected. It could be argued that he should have squared the ball, but going for goal was a perfectly reasonable option. The chance was there and he can't be blamed for taking a pop. It would have been spectacular if it had gone in.

Really good is a bit stronger than I'd go, but it was pleasing to see some positive glimpses from Callum on Sunday.

I've watched the whole thing twice, once live and once in the early hours. I just don't agree with you that they showed any bias. They spoke as the saw fit, but not in an unreasonable way, and certainly not in a way which showed preference for Man United. I wouldn't mind betting that if I went along to a United forum they would be complaining about the BBC showing its southern bias all game long. Sometimes we football fans see and hear what we want to. The commentators and presenters were fine throughout.

Ruben has been nothing but potential. He has amazing attributes which every coach can see so he attracts interest, but Ruben has never consistently lived up to his promise. As a result the sands of time are now running against him. His play in the World Cup can only have served to open Southgate's eyes to the reality that, although Rubes looks like he should be a difference maker, he simply does not perform well enough, often enough. His WC displays were typically flat. I expect Ruben to be a part of next season's Chelsea squad but, unless he finds the psychological key to unlock his potential, it may prove to be the last one during which anyone continues to believe he has a bright future. After that, it's life as a bit part player here (maybe) or try his luck elsewhere.

I would love it if Crystal Palace's fixture secretary was reading this post and thinking, "Crikey, we've got to get up to Manchester on Wednesday? Why didn't they tell me?" Be even funnier if the West Ham secretary was reading it and cancelled their coach. Seems like your subconscious wants to relive the last round of fixtures. Don't worry, doing whatever it has to do to block out the torture that was Chelsea vs Norwich, is a perfectly rational reaction of a sane mind. 🙂🙂 You imply, but don't outright state, that two draws on Wednesday seals champions League qualification for us. It would be nice if we could spare ourselves the tension of needing a result against wolves.

No, in that situation, Leicester would finish above ManU on goals scored. I think you're not considering the fact that 0-1 is a two goal swing.

Unless they beat West Ham by three goals or more, United are going to need to do themselves a favour next weekend and that is good news for us. A three goal win against The Hammers would mean United could pip Leicester on goal difference even if they loose to the Foxes. A win by any lesser margin on Wednesday means defeat to Leicester would see United finish behind the Midlanders. If that happens, and we beat Wolves, United would be out of the top four. The upshot is United will probably be busting a gut next Sunday so that's all good.

They are right to. His team selection was cowardly.

lol.

I wouldn't say great but I would say had a good moment or two.

Yep. If any members of the squad share the view that The FA Cup is a worthless competition then they can sod off and play for some club which suits their loser mentality, in front of small time fans who will no doubt share their loser opinions.

I thought Calum showed some of the strengths which encourage people to have high hopes, and some of the weaknesses which cause people to question whether he will make the grade. For me, Callum has never yet, even pre-injury, shown enough to merit anything like the contract he is rumoured to have signed. My view in summer was that if it was a choice between giving him a ridiculous contract, or selling him then I would sell. Callum needs what he may not get; may not earn indeed. He needs a run in the side to feel that he belongs, to recover the confidence which would allow him to unlock his best.

I didn't feel I heard anything questionable during the broadcast..

They couldn't have done that. The ban.

Just heard from your dog. It wants to know why the hell you can't support Bayern Munich or somebody. It also want to know when it's going to be your turn to fetch the bloody stick.