LAM09

I believe it's easier in the grand scheme of things. 10 years ago~ only three teams were guaranteed to qualify for the actual CL with the team finishing in fourth having to go through a playoff. Now, you have five teams going directly into the CL, without having a single worry, and on top of that, you have a "get out of jail card" that Tottenham took advantage of. Not to mention what happened to the latter in 2012-2013 (Premier League 2011-12 Table & Standings - Sports Mole). I agree that the league on the whole has improved drastically with arguably two sides effectively being guaranteed a place by most outsider while the gap between the rest continues getting smaller. However, there's far more opportunities than the previous decade.

Tbh, they were hanging their hopes on winning on Wednesday. If they had won, Osimhen or Gyokeres would have been their major signing. Their extended absence from the CL has finally caught up with them and is primarily why they are even sounding out the possible sale of Fernandes.

They have no European football at all, so these are the signings you should expect. Players from sides who were relegation candidates.

Him & Wissa would both add something to our squad if either were to be signed. We have a CL place secure, so this window will probably be the most telling as to what the owners actually want from their "investment". Settle or kick on from this (hopefully our first piece of silverware on Wednesday) by adding quality that improves our starting XI right now.

I was going to mention that. I remember him playing in a preseason tournament for Milan at 16. He was already well over 6ft and definitely showed signs that he was at least ready, physically.

Anything to save face. He was saying during the parade that the third season is always better than the second. Win the CL & get relegated? 😄

There's talk of Penders being in the squad for the CWC, so we never know what might happen there. I'd be slightly worried about a teen being our number one, though.

It's crazy how one match has some fans thinking their season was a success.

Salah was the difference. It's simple as.

Did you forget that Drogba reincarnated is back for Wednesday? 😃

Back to back cleansheets when it matters most. Our first points away against at Top 8 side THIS SEASON... Back where we belong! I really hope the owners finally capitalise on this chance with the extra revenue.

United finally score. Villa haven't had a shot on goal. Emery is going to go mad at the officials.

Are we really trying to hold onto a lead with 30+ remaining?

Until there's a sucker punch like United crumbling against 10 men Villa. We can't play for a draw when others have a hand in where we might finish.

He could just make himself big rather than put his hand out. We don't need to keep complaining about the obvious (Tosin ain't starting quality and Colwill is a car crash waiting to happen).

Sanchez looking like a liability as usual. He could have easily given a PK away.

I can't believe we've only scored five goals away from home since Christmas, the fewest in the league. Three fewer than the likes of Southampton & Leicester. That's an appalling stat.

Biggest chance of the game. All alone and fails to even hit the target.

We beat United with George, so I'd stick with a winning formula. Playing Neto centrally is a waste, forcing us to start Sancho as well.

The outcome of this match determines whether or not our season has been a success. Maresca choosing to go with a false nine has me concerned already.

I feel like people really underestimate how much of an impact a WC GK can have. Hell, we'd have a CL placed wrapped up if Thibo or Cech were in goal. They make the difference. Liverpool lost the 2018 final because of Karius & RM beat the same opposition in the 22 final largely because of Thibo's MOTM display.

It should be abundantly clear what Maresca's priority is. That's the sort of mentality (one of a small club) that I can't stand, which is evident in his post match interviews, win or loss.

If we actually bought Delap & Rogers. We should go all out with the City youth squad reunion - Add Gittens into the mix & have another stab at pitching O'Reilly. Feeder club. It's been clear for sometime with this "project" not going anywhere fast.

Such a weird situation for Reims to be in. A cup final in between a two legged relegation playoff. I can only think of Wigan under Martinez, who were in a slightly similar situation.

Sunderland's GK was definitely MOTM. Their strikers ultimately cost them at both ends of the field.