teignman

Another lazy penalty from Anelka.

Josh wins a pen. Nice one son!

The FA should be charged with gross incompetence in regard to referee selection and failure to ensure their referees conducted themselves in a fair and consistent fashion. I would also like to level a charge that they are dickheads in general.

It was great to see Brana put in a great shift at RB. It was reminiscent of his performances there in the 2009-10 season.

Hear, hear. Now that some of the anger has died down for me, I can really focus on the heroic performances of our veteran players. 9 men bossed the game for pretty much the entire 2nd half. I must applaud the grit and professionalism of these men. Normally, I am against remonstrating with the referee, but when egregious injustices are being committed left and right, I think it is perfectly fine to show indignation and outrage.

When these buggers come to the Bridge, I don't want a victory. I want a Roman triumph. Judging from how chippy things got between the opposing players, I'm sure our lads are going to have extra motivation to put Warnock's pathetic side to the sword.

Just got done watching the match. What an absolute crock of shit. The penalty against Luiz was beyond soft. If that moron Foy is going to call every nudge in a game, he should've called the nudge Helguson gave Luiz outside the box immediately preceding the penalty call. The Bos red card was ridiculous. Absolutely livid about that one. It should certainly be rescinded, but I don't see that happening. Drogs' red was a forward's tackle if I ever saw one, so I don't really have a problem with that. Not really too much to analyze as far as our play. We spun our wheels in the first half until Bos got sent off. We continued to do so until Drogba got sent off shortly thereafter. Then we were down to 9 and had to climb a mountain. What a shitty match. Thanks Chris Foy, you asshole.

Yes, but the haircare product clause in his contract would've ruined our wage structure.

How is that not a penalty for that foul on Lamps?

I'm generally pretty guarded in my assessments of teenage players and players who have not shown quality in a top European league. However, I've got a good feeling about this kid. I don't know if we will sign him, but we should. He's good with both feet, dribbles very well, has great pace, and very good size.

Agreed. It's tough to be tested when we dominated possession and snuffed out most of their attacks before they could reach the final third. Perhaps that twit commentator should take that into account. Anyway, this is how a top team should play at home against a perennial mid-table team. Danny showed he still needs some polish, but played a quality match and showed he has the makings of a top player. Certainly hope Ramires is not hurt too seriously. He is quickly becoming an integral part to our side. The late goal that we conceded to the deadly combination of Drenthe and Vellios was tough to swallow, but overall we looked confident and relaxed. This is what have noticed during the early days of AVB's reign, i.e. the players seem much more free and unrestrained. Their creativity is starting to flow, and it makes for more entertaining football and better results.

True. You can get away with a lot more as a manager when you are producing results.

I hope it's a mentally and physically exhausting affair for both sides. I don't like either of them, but Manure pose more of an immediate threat to our goals this season. I guess put me down for hoping the bin-dippers win.

"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Winston Churchill

I've started to develop a healthy dislike of the Toffees over the past couple years. What a bunch of swine. One needs to look no further for evidence of their scurrilous play than the foul-fest that was the match against them at the Bridge in the FA Cup last season (32 fouls committed by the blue Merseysiders). They've also been a real thorn in our side as far as results. I think the last time we got all 3 points against them was in the Spring of '08. In order to do so, it is imperative that we defend in the air much, much better. Shut Baines down, too. Don't allow him, or at least severely limit his ability, to put dangerous balls in the box.

The burden of proof is on the plaintiff. It will be especially tough to prove the accusations of intimidation due to the fact that, if any such untoward actions occurred, they were most likely not done in writing.

I wouldn't go so far as to call him clumsy. He's a bit overzealous at times and makes rash challenges. He's got a lot of raw ability and has only been playing as a central defender for the past 4 years (also playing as a fullback at times during that stretch). So he's not the finished article quite yet. It's tough to find a balance between not shying away from a challenge and not being a foul and card machine. David has an excellent teacher though in JT. If he avails himself of this resource and applies himself more to the cerebral aspects of his position, I see no reason why he shouldn't be a top class central defender.

It was great to see our most threatening attacks coming from the right side. For a couple seasons now it has looked as if all we could do for width is attack from the left. Makes sense though to take advantage of one of the slowest fullbacks (Paul Robinson) in the league.

I've noticed in the past few matches or so that Frank has been moving much better. More fluidity and maybe almost a little more pace. During the past year or so he moved like his boots were made of lead.

Happy with the point, but quite unhappy with how it was achieved. I thought to myself when Kalou came on for Lamps, "We need a good spell of possession to alleviate the pressure Valencia are exerting on us. Why are we taking off a player who keeps possession well for a player that loses possession like a bodily function?" Well that still remains a mystery. When it's all said and done we are home and away to Genk, away to Leverkusen, and home against these tossers. Top of the group and we control our own destiny. Not too shabby. Helps take some of the sting out of giving this one.

A bit sloppy in possession, but decent organization at the back. We need to close down the left side of their attack though. I'm not a vocal Malouda-basher, but he needs to come off. His feet are where attacks go to die.

Hilario PF Alex Luiz Bertrand Romeu Mikel McEachran Anelka Malouda Lukaku

I agree. I am surprised at myself as I am not terribly fussed about this match. We played much better than the scoreline. We were just rather unlucky, and that luck will turn sooner than later especially if we keep playing well. For now, let's take our frustrations out on the Cottagers and Swans.

Well the day of reckoning is upon us. My hopes are that we play with purpose, composure, and confidence. The past several matches against these clowns have seen us lacking in these areas. I am confident in our manager. I know that AVB and his staff have analyzed Manure thoroughly. He also has a plan B if this analysis does not fit what is occurring on the pitch. The new gaffer will not sit idly by with a look of blank bemusement that became all too common during the swan song of his predecessor. (I liked Carlo and appreciate what he did, but the end of his tenure was quite frustrating.) Anyway, I'd be happy with a draw. My expectations remind me of something my old man used to say: "Anyone can be a success, as long as they set their goals low enough."

Great, another one of these threads. Insert ubiquitous face-palm picture below.