Gribz

I agree. Even though they had a long unbeaten period it didnt seem convincing. He was getting the formation very wrong. They should have been going 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 or even playing with a back 3. But the 4-3-3 just wasnt suited to these players at all. He could have turned Werner into the new Torres. Id have had Giroud as my first choice No.9 at the moment and Kante alone in the 'Makeleke role' that he has taken over. Too much has went onto the likes of Mount who has talent but still not the real deal. He definitely needed another year at Derby yet I can understand why he took the job - but in this case he needed an experienced coach along side him especially on the touchline - perhaps Zola (albeit not been the best manager) would have been a good shout.

We started discussing it in the Premier League thread in Football Chat ? Lampard at Celtic wouldnt be a nightmare for me at all. Gerrard was twice the player and proving to be twice the manager.

Yup - it shows you the difference between Roman's decision making and the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd who have stuck by Arteta and OGS (paying off at the moment but for how long). But it seems Lampards poor form has triggered Roman to upgrade to Tuchel which is shrewd. I think Howe at Newcastle would be a good fit as he is mostly a coach and will get onto the training ground and improve the current squad.

I was going to post earlier I see Tuchel or Allergi at Chelsea sooner rather than later. I think its the right call for once by Roman - Lampard wasnt ready for that job. I can see Tuchel getting much more out of Werner and Havertz. Also calls on Talksport for Eddie Howe to replace Bruce at Newcastle.

Some good midweek games: Crystal Palace 1-2 West Ham Newcastle 1-1 Leeds Southampton 1-1 Arsenal West Brom 0-2 Man City Burnley 1-0 Aston Villa Chelsea 2-2 Wolves Brighton 1-0 Fulham Everton 0-1 Leicester Man Utd 3-0 Sheff Utd Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool

True - it wont happen under Ashley but it was mentioned Rafa has unfinished business there. If a takeover went through and he was given a tidy transfer fund then Newcastle would be comfortable top 8 and I think would eventually win a cup. I really rate Benitez and was screaming for West Ham to go for him before Moyes. There is some good names available on free's right now - Benitez, Allegri and Tuchel.

Hibs 1-2 Rangers FGS Morelos

I decided to go to bed and not bother watching it thinking it would be another borefest. Thats a cracking win for Utd, I thought Liverpool would recover and go there and win.

He's a likeable guy, I always enjoy listening to him but I cant say he is any good now. He has had too many clubs now and is mid level Premier at very best. You have a point about his players thought, Newcastle have been mediocre under many managers now.

That was easy ? Puts more pressure on Steve Bruce. At any other club / chairman he would probably have gone. But with Rafa available again you never know if a return would be on the cards.

The clock just couldnt tick quick enough for Cheltenham. If Foden can perform like that in the top flight then he will go on to be a top world class player. The way he glides past players is a bit like Kinkladze in the 95-96 season. Arsenal another step back. A very bizarre selection by Arteta, Arsenal are the FA cup specialists and should be defending it. They are sitting mid table and are very unlikely to get top 4 so this should have been a priority. But Id like to see Southampton go on and win the cup if West Ham dont (WHU away to the winners of Man Utd / Liverpool).

Cruise control in that game. The early goal did wonders. This shows the difference between teams who dont sit in with a 5-5-0. Honest assessment from Yogi Hughes saying we are the measuring stick. Fair play to SG for sticking with Kent who repays with a MOTM performance.

Quite comfortable at the moment for Southampton. Arsenal dont look like they will score at all. Willian - poor again. How can a player go from being near world class to awful in such a short period of time. And Pepe for 72m!

John Hughes has got Ross County going for a few games but how long does it take before the new manager novelty wears off. Every game is starting to get nervy until we score so an early goal this afternoon will settle the nerves. No games are gimmies but surely this has to be one banker on a tricky January with 3 tough away games on paper. Id probably start Defoe today but as Frankie mentioned Itten starting might be on the cards.

Rangers 3-0 Ross County Tav FGS

Im taking Villa all day long here. They are playing well and Newcastle are being dragged into the relegation battle. Villa 2-0 Newcastle.

At least we only have to wait until Tuesday to get the league action back. Three stand out ties Southampton to beat Arsenal. Liverpool to win at Old Trafford. Everton to beat Sheff Wed in the old big one back in the day.

Yup, he probably should have stayed at Derby another year or moved to a mid table Premier club. I dont think it can be underestimated how Gerrard has got his back room team spot on and Frank could really be done with the late great Ray Wilkins. It may actually harm him long term and he will end up back down in the Championship - thats unless he turns it round. For me he is making a huge mistake playing 4-3-3. They are screaming out for 4-5-1 (dont like to use the example) but 4-2-3-1 / 4-1-4-1 is exactly what they need. No way can Werner, Havertz and Ziyech not click.

Frank under pressure at Chelsea. I would say he took this job too early in his career and not having an experienced No.2 has hampered him.

Dont say that - they will be after Stevie G. Its a good point though - when things dont go his way he does throw the toys out but when winning he is all crocodile smiles. Id have loved to have seen Sir Alex up against him. Something doesnt seem right - ever since Van Dijk went out the team. Salah and Mane seem a shadow of the players they were. They obviously want to go to La Liga.

Didnt realise there was games tonight. West Ham 3-0 West Brom (a re-run of the first West Ham game I ever went to in 1989 and WBA won 3-2 at upton park). Leicester 2-1 Chelsea Man City 4-0 Aston Villa Fulham 0-2 Man Utd Liverpool 3-0 Burnley

Depends what formation you go with. Hagi has to be considered as a tip of a diamond and isnt going anywhere. He should actually be playing a larger part. It will take a massive bid to lure Kamara but Id expect him to be around for seasons to come. Depends what you are looking for in a midfielder i.e the McCall type who bites ankles or an attacking midfielder with creativity. Im not a fan of this 4-(2-3)-1 formations, there is 3 areas in the outfield - defence, midfield (include wingers), strikers. But good discussion though.

Chaps - as said, City come out the biggest winners. I dont think Liverpool slump will last long and they will start winning games, however its good to see they are not and questions being asked - Salah wants to go to Spain, does Mane? Where is there midfield creativity. Man Utd - they have stumbled on this run, OGS was close to the sack but a goal that shouldnt have been allowed has prepelled him. City - They are rolling.

Wonderful depressing 0-0. Is that the best they can offer? City will be laughing.

Yes, sorry for misunderstanding there - he has been more advanced and glad to see it - my comment was more towards earlier in the season. He should absolutely be heading forward in attacks and Jack should compliment him. Its possibly due to an early partnership of both holding last season. For me Kamara is box to box all day long and Jack a Stuart McCall.