teignman

I felt there seemed to be a lack of urgency and desire on the pitch until they were a goal down. Unfortunately, these performances have been all too common over the past several months. The lads in blue need to play like they are a goal down from the off. In spite of all this, I look forward to Fulham next Monday.

Here you go. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7qs0shFDc

Yes. He is not cup tied having not played in that competition this season.

I find these developments fascinating. I am not enamored with Torres, mainly due to his poor fitness record in the past few seasons. Won't be disappointed if we get him though, so long as it does not affect our squad strengthening in other areas. However, I don't think we will get him, but at least we're unsettling the scousers.

I've been pondering this as well. Been watching Charlie for years. He was inconsistent during his time at Rangers. However, he seems to have solved his issues and has blossomed into a real quality player. Think he would be a good addition, but who would he displace in our squad/starting XI?

Neither has Bolton. They have won 1, drawn 1, and lost 4 in their last 6 prem games. I don't think this game will be easy, but Bolton is nowhere near the form that saw them put Spurs and the Geordies to the sword in a space of a couple weeks.

I was unable to watch the match earlier, but I just got done watching my recording. A bit gutted. To come back that late, and draw cos we were ball-watching and left a man at the far post unmarked in stoppage time was shit. Come to think of it, the first goal was down to sloppiness as well. Poor Ferreira clearance and foolish challenge by Essien on Reo Coker to concede the penalty. Bruma got manhandled by Emile (I ate all the pies) Heskey for the second, but i think he will get better and overall thought he did fairly well. There were some positives in attack though. Would like to see the tenacity and invention we showed in the second half carried into the opening of the Wolves game.

Kalou has the occasional fine performance. In the matches in between, he can be quite a liability. It is not only his profligate striking that arouses the ire of so many fans and myself, but his frequent loss of possession. I am not to the point where I think he should go, but I am getting there.

I have reserved judgment on Ramires. He was my MOTM last night. The Brazilian really imposed himself on the game, and showed boundless energy. He is adapting to the physicality of the PL, and this is great cos I think teams target him with rough challenges.

Flashman at the Charge.

Best draw we could have hoped for. Thought it was going to be one of the milan sides.

Today was a poor performance to say the least. The forwards need to do what the name of their position implies, get forward. Also, the nonsense of hoofing the ball up the pitch was, in Carlo's words, a "scared" tactic. There also seemed to be a genuine lack of belief and desire amongst not only the players, but the support at the Bridge. Perhaps it is understandable due to our recent form, but you have to believe you can win every match. Otherwise, you have lost or drawn before the first whistle sounds. I have also noticed in our recent run that sides have exerted more pressure on us especially in the midfield. We need to combat that pressure by making quicker, more incisive decisions. This is an area where Lampard would be of great value. However, his return alone would not guarantee us of breaking out of our doldrums. The team needs to play smarter, more aggressive football.

I have a bit of trepidation about this game and our upcoming fixtures, but I am curious to see how/if our youngsters perform. I don't see any way around putting in Bruma. Though his game against Newcastle in the CC was rather poor, we need to give him a chance as Ferreira was awful at CB against the Mackems.

Though I was extremely disappointed with the result, to say the least, I have faith in Carlo and our squad. Squad depth is an issue, but this was to be expected as we try to integrate youth into our side.