IndianMag

I can't help but feel we still haven't seen the best of Cabaye and probably won't ever. I don't know if it's because he's playing deep or it's because he thinks he is Alonso with his distribution. Very often, he tries some ridiculous balls that are never going to reach our player. For me, he's class when on song, but he doesn't stamp his authority on games enough to be a world class player. Also he's far too inconsistent for us. When he plays for France on the other hand, he looks like a much better player. Is it because of the players around him or is it because of his role in the team?

Chins up lads! It's the Quarters of the Europa League, we're playing the leaders of the Portuguese League and we still have a chance to make it to the semi-finals. We can do this in the second leg! Let's not be so pessimistic, today's result isn't the end of the world, especially since we played decently against a good side. I'd be a lot more worried however if we didn't pick up 3 points this Sunday. That's an absolute must.

I really don't think they're as good as people were making them out to be before the game. I reckon we can do these lot at home. Not the best result, but not the worst either with the away goal. Let's take the positives from this game lads and hope for 3 points first up, this Sunday.

Ameobi really gets on my tits. Why does he always have to foul the defender when he loses the ball?? It stems the flow of the game and gives us less of a chance to come back. I'd seriously consider giving Campbell a chance ahead of this oaf.

Who do we play in his place?

Guys, relax! One more goal and we have a canny chance in the second leg. Even if we don't score, the tie isn't dead by any stretch of the imagination. Yes, we've gifted them a couple of goals, but let's get behind the lads, yeah?

This game fookin reminds me of the last time we played a Portuguese team in a knockout game - Sporting Lisbon away in 2005.

shite! don't deserve this

I'd much rather have Colo start than Yanga currently! He gets into a spot of bother quite often on the ball.

Phew! Have a feeling it's going to be backs against the wall in the second half. They're a good team, make no mistake about that. Would be very tempted to get Obertan on in around 20-25 minutes for Marv with their high line. We need to keep the ball a bit more. We seem to always play around 4-5 passes and then go for the ridiculous hollywood pass. When we are completely capable of building up play, I just can't fathom why play a direct game.

Would go for Krul(if fit) Simpson Taylor Mbwia Santon Cabaye Perch Anita Sisoko Jonas Cisse

He still played some tasty balls. Yes, he doesn't get involved much, but he's currently the only player capable of creating something out of nothing from our front 3. If I were Pards I'd give him a run of games and a kick up his arse to put in more effort off the ball!.

That's true mate. On a separate note, feel we can win this

Sissoko has been quite poor in the last few games

Knowing our luck, he's out for the season.

Great win! Great result! We did make it hard for ourselves though. A few observations:- 1. Marv has shown enough to start games for us. If Ben Arfa doesn't start, Marv has to start as he is one of the only channels of creativity upfront. Easily the biggest threat tonight. 2. Jonas had a very steady game at CM. Maybe Pards needs to seriously consider playing him there as a bit part CM instead of a winger. Jonas was quite good in the centre of the park when we played the 4-3-3 towards the end of last season as well. 3. We have to start playing a little more through the centre of the park. Cannot understand why we keep taking the ball wide and crossing it into the box. Yes, it worked today, but often our delivery is poor and we just don't have the aerial ability in the box to make it work on a consistent basis. 4. Marv's set pieces are 10000x times better than anyone else's in the team. 5. Need to seriously hire an attacking coach and a set-piece coach. We seem to have absolutely no ideas attacking wise.

Did anyone see Titus's howler yesterday. Agent Bramble strikes again.

Hope Colo's injury isn't too serious. We're one CB away from Williamson.

Must kill this game off with a 3rd or at least put pressure for the 3rd or else, we might pay the price.

WOOOOOOOOOOOYEAAAAAAAAAAH! Can't say we haven't deserved it!

Just don't think Marveaux can play wide. All his best performances have been when he has played in the middle of the park. Also he's really poor off the ball

It's just not happening for Cisse is it? Another great chance missed. He needs to score a brace or a hat trick to get his confidence back.

Absolute tw@ts. Why is the standard of refereeing so poor? That Haidara yellow was never a foul, let alone a yellow. I really have a bad feeling about a referee howler tonight.

Ah yes! Forgot that

When was the last time we were part of a penalty shootout? The Champions League qualifier when we didn't make it in 2003? Have a sneaky feeling this might go down to penalties.