LAM09

I mentioned something similar after Sunday's result. With the additional income from CL qualification & sizeable payout for CWC participation (hefty bump should we go all the way), the business we do or don't do will say everything about where the owners actually want to take their "investment". Kick on to challenge the best around or be satisfied with the bare minimum.

On £300kpw~. Until they become less reluctant to offer players their worth, in form players won't be joining this club. That's something the board cares a great deal about.

I was going to mention that, but I thought it would be rebuffed considering that's over an extended period. He are the cash cows in the long run.

It's based on the lesser of two evils. None of us are paying a dime, but the idea of spending €80m~ on Ekitike, not Gyokeres or Osimhem will just hold us back. I can't get behind someone banging goals for a side in Portugal and that won't change (don't want to hear about his exploits for Sweden considering the opposition). If the buzzword is gamble, I'd prefer us to bet on a different horse.

If it's between him & Ekitike, I'd take him solely because of the price tag. I really hope neither end up in a Chelsea shirt, though.

It's jarring seeing such celebrations for finishing fourth (just look at James). I do understand this will the first UCL campaign for the majority of our squad, but James' response—or lack thereof—demonstrates that this kind of thing isn't a significant accomplishment for the club based on our recent history. People might laugh at the trophy up for grabs on Wednesday, but a European trophy of any kind is something to celebrate. We all hope that we will win our seventh European trophy, celebrate something special, and will be the start of what we all hope will be the first of many to come.

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.