First of all the good news. Anyone who saw us at Anfield will know that Stephens and Yoshida make a decent centre back pairing and benefit from the protection offered by the man mountain in front of them. Bertrand was immense that night too, not just in his defensive duties (apart from allowing Lallana to dispossess him and set up a chance before anyone thinks I didn't notice) but also as the "out" ball. He set young Nathan galloping off to great effect in the first half. So let's stop talking of moving players about and just hope that no other bugger gets injured.
So let's look at where we are. We have been screwed by a mixture of ill-luck - obviously Virgil's injury - and something going wrong with the Saints/Fonte love in. But to suggest that the board in general, and Reed in particular, are "at fault" staggers me. I cannot and do not believe that every stop wasn't pulled. In the past we needed to replace Adam Lallana and hey presto - Dusan Tadic. Promising young England full back buggered off to Man U? Never mind, have a slightly more mature model for a third of the price. Lost your Rickie? Don't worry, here's an Italian striker with something to prove.
This time it didn't happen. Why? No idea. But I'm bloody certain it won't have been for the want of trying. Sometimes **** happens. Now I'm off. I can't believe I've read someone suggesting Reed's head will roll. FFS!!