Slam Dunk

I'm not sure about that. He's probably as direct as Moses, but what you get with Moses is not only the work rate, but a physical presence that tracks back and defends. Marin can't tackle for shit (and i'm not just talking about vs. QPR), which is why I think we're only going to see him coming off from the bench as an impact player.

There's no way he can repair his reputation in England after his spell here. He'll move back to Spain when he leaves us I reckon, which will be in the summer. Just half a season left for us to endure.

Disagree, we played the better football and were on top for pretty much the whole game IMO. Depends on how you define 'outplayed'. Anyway, back on topic.

Swansea outplayed us?

Any opinion I had on Sturridge was based on quotes directly from him, and his performances on the pitch. Anyway, i'm bored of discussing Sturridge with you, and this thread isn't the place to do it. The article above has no quotes and is just an attempt to rile up the fans.

Love the way that if we read anything about any of the other players in the media, it's not true, but if it's Torres that has supposedly said something, it's definitely true. I'd take that article as an attempt to cause controversy. I'll stick to judging a player by what he does on the pitch, not what he has supposedly said behind closed doors. Fucking media.

Embarrassing. Swansea are holding their shape well and we're all out of ideas.

Wow, that'll be a big step up for him. Good luck to him, would be great if he made it to the first team squad in a few years.

The power of YouTube...That video above makes him look brilliant. Granted, it's a highlight reel, but you can see he's got talent. He's very direct, very quick and powerful on the ball. Looks like he could be a good addition for the price (I think I read somewhere his release clause is £12.5M, but he could go for less). I assume he's being targeted as Sturridge's replacement on the right flank, although he looks comfortable on either. I wouldn't have any complaints if he joined. Of course he's not in the same bracket as Isco, but I'm guessing the board aren't targeting a player of Isco's calibre to sit on the bench as cover for Moses.

True, but there's special treatment, and then theres ignoring every other league entirely. Some of the names on that list are a joke.

These "will he, won't he" stories will probably keep cycling for a few months yet. Same story, different date.

We shall see...

Is this argument going to get repeated every time he scores?

When Lampard's on the pitch, Lampard takes the pens. Simple. Southampton started well, pressed us very well/high up the pitch (our weakness lately). Although they couldn't sustain it for long enough and didn't give themselves enough of an advantage whilst they were on top. We played some good stuff after that, still a bit too careless at times though for my liking. Luiz being the most guilty culprit. Azpilicueta's crossing was awful, but it looks like a great avenue for Ba when he gets it right. Impressed with Moses yet again, we're going to miss him on the flanks. Speaking of Ba, i'd forgotten how good it is when we have a real powerhouse up front. He absolutely dwarfs the three behind him. His runs were good, his link up play was good and he took his goals well. Great debut. All in all, a pleasing performance.

Inevitable. What a goal though.

They're pressing well. I wonder if they can sustain it.

What a fucking pass by Puncheon (I think) to be fair.

French media reporting Ba starting for CFC. Lukaku starting for WBA as well so be sure to keep an eye on that game, as well as Chalobah for Watford.

Both he and Mikel are leaving for Portugal straight after the match today, so they are both available for this afternoon.

If that is the case... Then i'm looking forward to this game. A lot.

Not that it really matters, but, what's the difference?

Yeah Spurs have got themselves a good'un there. Looking forward to seeing him in the PL.

I'm not saying he isn't human (anyone would take advantage of the situation) - If you read his back story, you'll see he is humble about the position he is in. He's not had an easy career and has worked to be in the position he is in now. Not saying you can put a price on that (not to the tune of £75K a week, anyway), but I don't think money is his main motivation.

Newcastle fans calling him disloyal, saying he's only here for the money. After reading his background story and watching that interview, they couldn't be more wrong. Seems like a very humble guy.

Looks like this is an inevitability. I just want to see him score those 11 goals before he goes...