Rors21

We're starting to get overrun in the midfield every time we lose the ball. Atrocious.

Classy support for Petrov there.

It's just sad because Arsenal are very poor this season. We should really be 10-15 points ahead of them.

Yeah, I agree. Plenty of games left.

Yeah but Suarez is still really, really good. His left foot is as good as his right, he can worm his away around defenders in the box with ease, he sets up teammates superbly and he does all that with a mediocre supporting cast. Don't get me wrong, he's the kind of guy I love to hate, so to speak, but he's easily a world-class player, regardless of who he's scored against.

Ryan Giggs scored today and is on the cusp of making his 1000th appearance for United, which is remarkable. However, I feel like he's gotten the biggest free pass from the media given his affair with the Welsh model a few years back. It's practically been forgotten and moreover has done nothing to tarnish his nice guy image. It just goes to show how some players can do no wrong and others no right.

This article is an excellent analysis of our midfield problems/needs: http://plainsofalmeria.co.uk/2013/02/18/midfield-matters/

That's the sound of my foot in my mouth for suggesting the Ram Man should sit this one out!

Rambo needs a rest. He's looked leggy. But we have few options on the right side so he's been forced in.

Not saying you were one of the ones, nonotnowjim, but last season just about everyone on this site was trashing meireles on an hourly basis, so your post made me chuckle.

We're missing Kalou and should have never sold him.

Yeah, I agree, I wish we had more of a suite of systems to play; at least two, as opposed to sticking rigidly to just one. Two years ago I was upset that Carlo never deviated from the 4-3-3 and I felt the same way last year with AVB. Now we're stuck with the 4-2-3-1, regardless of the opposition or the circumstances during a game. I can understand that the constant drumbeat of games hasn't given Rafa much time to get an alternative nailed down during training, but it's still very frustrating seeing us play with so little flexibility during games. Back in 2006, Italy won the World Cup in large part due to the many different formations they strategically deployed against different opponents. Would like to see a new manager selected with that quality in mind!

Ha!

I am perplexed that he didn't play Marin as a substitute at some point during the game, but I don't fault him for starting Berti in the first place. Some of the Europa League games coming up should give Marin some opportunities to impress. Deja vu, When Robbie played Ryan there in the first Newcastle game this season it was early season with Newcastle coming off a strong season before and we had no wiger on the bench. He could and would have made changes if we were in any trouble but he certainly didn't leave a winger out to put Ryan there.

I think the international break could not come soon enough. It's only a few days long, but it gives the team a chance to disperse, clear their heads, and then come back perhaps energized and re-enthused. A little fresh air, if you will. Hopefully it pays some dividends.

Ha, shows the rut we're in when we're all pining for Mikel's return. But I agree, we do need him back.

True but RDM selected Bertrand as a winger a fair amount as well. He was excellent in that position in the first game we played against Newcastle.

I think the other guy, Saaladin, has at least some points that are fair ones. Although Rafa is surely a large part of the problem, the cumulative effect of having played 42 games already, a thin squad, suspensions, injuries and absences not to mention generally poor play from the players are factors too. Net: the manager takes a deserved amount of blame for the malaise we're in, but there are other factors to consider too.

Great cross by Ramires. All those slagging him off now have egg on their faces.

Brilliant film. For an absorbing and crazy analysis read the blog post in the link below, although beware that there are spoilers a-plenty within. http://cavalorn.livejournal.com/584135.html

Mourinho only had 5 years experience as a manager prior to his appointment at the Bridge. He worked out well.

Let me get this straight: we're building a boobs statue?

I haven't been able to do anything all day. Still drunk with joy and elation!

I echo Castiel's comments. Bayern have a fantastic group of players and would've been worthy champs had they held out. As much as I was - and remain - euphoric over the win, seeing the look on Schweinsteiger and Gomez's faces as our guys hoisted the trophy was tough viewing. I hope they someday get the chance to taste victory in the Champions League Final just as we did.