OTF

Great result. I think it's safe to say that we're not going to be relegated, which is great to be able to do with more than 10 games remaining in the season. Jonas for me was MOTM in this one. Two very good assists and quality in possession throughout. He didn't put in any useless shots, and his link up play and vision with several players was very good. Noone really had a bad game for us, but several players could have been better. Colo solid at the back, though he and Williamson did a good job to nullify Zigic who has been in decent form apparently. Colo has value beyond his defensive ability in that he's a good passer who is confident and calm in possession (by contrast Williamson has a traditional central defenders mindset of getting rid of the ball by hoofing it as soon as possible, which in his case is probably best). Our whole defensive unit worked well together, playing the offside trap nicely. Enrique we know is very good, but Simpson too deserves credit. He's been in good form since returning from injury and rightfully has earnt his calling as a first choice right back. Tiote, class. For me summed up his value when he chased Bentley from within their half. Bentley passed it off, and had the return ball played nicely into his path beating Williamson in the process. Had Tiote not chased back Bentley would have been clean in on goal, but thankfully he did and was there to get a clean block on Bentley's shot. Kudos. If they'd scored there I'd say they would have been in with a good shout to push for an equaliser. Nolan didn't have a particularly busy game, but played his part making some tackles and generally making a nuisance of himself. Barton wasn't in the greatest form, but did move the ball around nicely for the most part. Birmingham are pretty decent at defending set pieces at the best of times, they didn't really have any trouble with anything from Barton here. Worth noting that Barton copped some very harsh decisions from the ref, but did well to keep his cool. Fantastic finish from Lovenkrands for the first. He tried hard, making runs and closing down while he was out there. Deserves credit. Best wasn't particularly good but worked hard at winning headers throughout. Went and did the remarkable by scoring off his head, though the cross did a lot of the hard work for him.

Martins off... Bad because he's done Nothing except be offside...

Jonas on fire... And what's this? A Best headed goal!!!! Amazing

Good cross Jonas, and a better finish from Lovemkrands! You beauty!

Should come with a refund option if all of the 35m isn't spent and accounted for in the summer.

Shut up TBH.

I'd prefer not to gauge our results off our possibly worst performance of the season. ...and Carroll scored in that match. The worst performance, by a mile, was the Bolton game. Man Utd away wasn't great either but that was the first match of the season and against a great side away from home so it can easily be excused. You're right... but I wasn't wrong

I'd prefer not to gauge our results off our possibly worst performance of the season. ...and Carroll scored in that match. He's injured anyway, so selling him hasn't cost us 2 points TBH Not saying it did, but you were the one who brought up Carroll. You could make a good argument that selling him without replacing him could have cost us two points, assuming we didn't buy someone else who was similarly crocked.

I'd prefer not to gauge our results off our possibly worst performance of the season. ...and Carroll scored in that match.

easily his best option in that spot, you'd have no doubt creamed yourself if it came off Attempting a back heel (and kicking the ball into his own leg and to a Blackburn player) was his best option? Sorry, but NO. Barton got frustrated in the second half and got progressively worse with his crossing, and set pieces. You can understand his frustration.

Just had a good chance to win it (West Ham). West Ham must have bottled it big time. Poor Woy (when he officially takes over). Edit - whoops

0-0 the one that got away.

Fucking ridiculous booking for Barton... idiot ref...

Kuqi on in the 90th minute..

Didn't know Bette Midler was a toon fan.

Salgado must feel like retiring after this match.

Kuqi warming up.

Tiote and Olsson? Tiote got a yellow for it, the ref was playing advantage. Tiote was reacting to the foul from Olsson on him which the refs missed.

Fook.. enrique penetrating right into the box, not the greatest pass for Barton but still had a chance to score.

Good tip there under pressure by Harper. Getting very scrappy now. This is what they want.

Got a yellow for it... though he was blatantly fouled by their player first.

Barton, oh my. Save the party pieces for training please.

Well played by Ranger. Speed to get around and past SAmba, then played it off him intentionally for the corner.

Kalanic.. hahah what the hell was that, just dribbled it out in the box.

And to think of the massive amounts of money we spent on buying him... Finally he's off for Nile Ranger.