Mapperleyfox

What I meant was I'm not expecting us to capitulate like last season, but our form could dip slightly and someone like Chelsea could win 10 in a row for example.

I think we've learnt a lot from last season and are tougher mentally but also more flexible tactically. Yesterday's game a case in point where first half we pressed hard and played our football and then sat back and dug in for the result in the second half. Plus we have players like Barnes in excellent form, plus a fit Ndidi and the return of Castagne and Ricardo. If we fall out of the top 4 I believe it'll be because others put an incredible run together, not because of our own form.

DEYA 'Dust My Broom' pale ale. Very nice.

A brilliant day but I have to say the Cambridge play off game eclipses it in terms of atmosphere, or even the Atletico Madrid game in the UEFA Cup....certainly in my lifetime anyway

After years of watching players who didn't give a shit, I'll take players like Amartey any day who can step in, be 100% committed and give everything. He's not the most talented or dynamic player on the books but always gives everything in every game.

Incredible performance today, with composure and calmness added to his undoubted defensive and ball winning qualities. When he's in the team we're so much better.

Just goes to show I know absolutely **** all about football. Happy days! Crack the beers open folks!

Far too passive, getting bullied all over the pitch, poor passing, no movement.... A replay of last season's home game so far.

He has a LOT of developing to do in my opinion. Plenty of time for him to improve. He's good, and has potential but is nowhere near ready for the first team right now at this level. If we can, i'd send him on loan next season to the championship and he may benefit in the way Harvey Barnes did.

It is in isolation but is also utterly meaningless if it doesn't lead to us getting our lives back. Too much fixation on the number and not the outcome.

I'm more or less feeling the same.... Another couple of months at the most and i'm done. What's the point of just existing?

I seem to remember the kop singing "**** off Willis" at one point, so he did well to turn his form around from that.

Totally agree. A beer in a pub, or a meal out, or going to watch the game are not luxuries, they are part of most people's normal lives and should be again as soon as it's safe to do so. I do not want to wait until Chris Whitty & Co dance on the grave of the very last Covid victim to be able to do this. The vaccine rollout numbers look great, but they're only a measurement of a means to an end, and many people, including me, are getting impatient to learn when and how things are gonna get back to normal, because we've been locked away for the best part of 12 months, struggling with mental health and coping with reduced incomes or no jobs at all. I'm trying to be optimistic but if experience has taught us anything it's that come the 22nd of Feb, we'll be sorely disappointed in whatever plan they come up with.

Frustrating watching us getting beaten so far by these bunch of hoofers and the italian Neil Warnock. Long balls, crosses, time wasting, buying fouls off the ref. If i was an Everton fan i wouldn't pay to watch that when they're alllowed back in.

Without a doubt, we're in agreement, it's just a bleak picture in terms of what's left come Easter or Summer. And then there's the tens of thousands of unemployed to consider. My village pub have told me they're living off fumes, and can't survive beyond March/April at best.

Better than others maybe because of cash reserves or by chucking another £50k at his Tory mates, and they might survive but they're hardly thriving are they? I don't drink in Wetherspoons so i'm more concerned about independent boozers who, quite frankly, will be screwed by Easter.

I'd imagine even the big chains are in big trouble and it's only January. Greene King for starters are in a mess and jobs are going every day. There might be the odd Wetherspoons but that's about it if you leave it another 6 months. Not to mention restaurants...

July? If you shut them until then non will reopen anyway so you may as well declare the industry dead.

Worse places to have a summer job. Great times in Es Paradis, Cafe Mambo etc. I'd struggle to do a couple of nights now though! We have been in early talks about a 30 year reunion, rather worryingly.

I fell down the steps after the winner, partly due to euphoria, partly due to booze.

It's reassuring to know that the 1994 Play Off Final still rankles with the sheep shaggers. One of the best football days out I've ever had.

Sounds like my CD walkman from San Antonio in 1995...

He'll go where the biggest paycheck is, of course. If he was bothered about game time he'd have left us two years ago. Not as good as he thinks he is.

I've got a 2018 Golf GTI. The best car I've ever had, an absolute dream to drive. I'd recommend it. I'm getting a new one this year but don't know what I want yet. Wouldn't rule out another GTI.

Great thread and I feel for everyone going through their own personal challenges. First things first, my problems seem incredibly trivial in comparison but i guess it's a subjective topic. Been working from home since last March with no face to face with colleagues apart from video calls. It's hard to do my job remotely so I'm constantly frustrated and feel detached. Plus since March I've been stuck at home with the missus and her two kids 24/7 which isn't easy and with escapism, no football to go to and pubs and restaurants shut I have hardly seen mates or family in proper social circumstances, which is really important to me. Then there's travelling which i love doing, so i can't plan anything in for the future which i know would give me something to look forward to. Basically like most people everything i enjoy doing has been taken away from me and i have no idea when it's coming back.