aimaad22

Seems like a much improved performance so far. Need to win now that the mackems and Stoke are winning, would be so typical of the season if Norwich won today too. I can see us having a nervy half and them bundling in 2 goals in the 90th minute

Hope we can restore some pride. Havent felt like watching a minute of football since Sunday, need to believe again

Typical. Gutted for the guy, must be devastated.

My pessimism has got more to do with the way we've been playing.

3-1 to them. Cant see us getting anything from this. We'll get passed off the park anyway.

somebody please change the 'feared on wearside' description from the thread title

Always been like that for him. Ive given up the hope he will be anything other than an impact sub. Shame because there is potential there.

I've been behind him for the sake of stability mostly, and that we cant hope to attract a better manager realisitcally. However there are some shocking weakness in our side that he has completely failed to address. Set pieces, corners, ball retention, no plan of attack going foward. Game after game after game with no signs of improvement. Something is definitely wrong.

That may probably explain it. The hoofball gets to the fans so why not the players. He has been utterly shocking last two games mind, no excuses for that. I wonder what state the dressing room is in. From some of the performances we've seen this year there doesnt seem to be a bit of cohesion in the squad, or belief in the players that we're going somewhere.

Same here. We're right in the shit again and whats worrying keep playing like this and we WILL get screwed again.

Embarrassing, sick to the stomach. Cant even imagine what people in the city must be feeling like. Seen some pretty half hearted performances from us this season and this was right up there. Noone but Cisse really seems to want it in these last few games. And Jonas and Cabaye can especially fuck right off. For some reason feeling especially pissed at those two. Tired of all the excuses by now, Ive been with those defending Pardew but its getting pretty old now. Just hasnt been good enough. You would think we would be up for it today, but no. Cant say much more, a big FUCK YOU to Pardew and the lads for today.

Can see us imploding here after getting someone sent off. Disappointing. Why are our players so much more nervous than theirs when everybody expected it to be the other way around. Need Shola and Hatem on, Gouffran and Marveaux are offering nothing. Cabaye seems to be having another shocker as well.

Yup, 8th or 9th be would superb considering the way this season has gone so far. Although a win tomorrow and staying safe is all I really want for the rest of this season. That and no more long term injuries.

I think they are fantastic to be honest, it will be a shame when this team does eventually break up as the players get older. Some of the football we've been treated to has been surreal. Interesting draw semifinal draw by the way. Really think any of these four could go on to win it. Best semfinal lineup in a while imo.

Frick these injuries man, what came to mind yesterday after watching his comeback was this is the fun we've been missing the whole season, or near enough of it. Forget the results, points etc for a minute. The excitement of watching somebody with his talent, wearing black and white, running at the defence and watching them stumble all over the place to try and keep him out. Priceless

I guess people have summed up his attribute nicely by now but I'll still have a go because its hard not to like this guy! Past few games he's been getting next to no service for the most part, but he's been coming back getting into people's faces and making a complete nuisance of himself nonetheless. Not the kind of player who will shy away and sulk when things arent going the team's way. The part where he gets angry every now and then isnt probably the worst thing ever either, every team needs a bit of fire.

Sounds about right. Will probably be a furious start will people get kicked all over the place. Eventually though our quality should shine through and we should cruise once they tire out in the second half. Would be nice to have a goal or two before that though, these last minute adventures are not easy on the nerves!

Good effort from the lads, Pards got the tactics spot on considering the circumstances, we nearly had them. In the end the silly errors and that bit of luck you need in cup competitions cost us. A bit of calmness in the first leg and we would be in the semis. Ah well no use thinking about that now. Hope this European experience has taught us something, not least the need for squad strength. Onwards to Sunday then, after playing these it shouldnt be too tough. Williamson will probably feel like Ben Arfa

Bigi on the right isnt working. We've started to get into some decent positions but the final ball has been rubbish as usual. Also has to be said Anita and Cabaye have been absolutely no match against their midfield. We're technically outclassed. Might have been a different story with HBA, Gouffran/Tiote/Debuchy playing but at the moment they look far the better team.

Cisse looks up for it again, shame there's no service whatsoever into him

Cabaye's been shocking...

Zero attacking threat