I said last week that in my view this weekend would be the defining week for top 4. I felt if Arsenal dropped points they would almost certainly be out of the running. Arsenal held on today and although the solid partnership of Koscielny and Mertesacker will be broken up for a few games it shouldn't be too much of a problem for them, they are in great form and have a last found a balance between defended and attacking, a lot of it is down to Vermaelen (who is awful) not playing. Tomorrow we face Sunderland, before O'Neill's sacking this was a routine win but we are now guaranteed a tough game tomorrow thanks to the arrival of Di Canio. Not only do we need to win tomorrow but we need to make me sure our Goal Difference is higher than Arsenal's come end of the season as it could come down to that. If we don't win tomorrow I think that's our lot done because that then means we can't afford to get any less than 4 points at Anfield and Old Trafford which in the midst of a busy schedule is unlikely. Spurs v Everton is tricky, both sides have key players out, Spurs are wobbling and at this moment in time, without Bale they are like a Cobra without Venom, they also have Lennon and Defoe out. It's an excellent opportunity for Everton to not only win but drag themselves back in the hunt for top 4. If we are above Spurs by the end of tomorrow, I have no doubt we will finish above them but if we fail to win I will be livid as it makes top 4 near impossible. Rubin should be a nothing game now, our only focus should be on tomorrow and Wembley. With Mata coming off early and Hazard not starting there is every indication that Benitez (who probably took a bollocking from the board after Saints) will play the strongest XI available. Ba will no doubt take stick off Sunderland fans so let's hope that puts fire in his belly. None of Spurs next 3 games are easy, there is a realistic chance they could drop points in all of them, lets strike while the iron's hot. I genuinely will get 4th now (possibly 3rd), thank God when Jose comes back we won't have to put up with any of this last day nonsense. Going down to the wire this year
unfortunately, FSW will not see it like we do! expect an extra weakened team with the likes of Marin in allowing our stars to rest for Kazan and Citeh.
Spurs definitely have the toughest fixtures on paper but lot depends on relegation scenario of respective teams. I think you're ruling out teams bit prematurely tbh. Even if we lost today don't think it would've rule us out. Similarly even if you or spurs draw or lose tmrw won't rule either of you out. Everton may yet stand a chance as you said. Spurs vs Chelsea will be very Intersting needless to say but whoever comes out worse from that will be favourites to drop out though nothings finished until mathematically immpossible as past seasons have proved.
I've been told that Benitez's contract includes top 3, he only gets half the money if we finish outside it. Mata coming off and Hazard/Oscar not starting means they will start tomorrow. Benitez will be judged as much on his ability to get top 4 as he will winning trophies. We're as good as in 2 semi's now, Benitez will play a good team, if we score in Moscow there's little chance of Rubin being able to come back, we are good enough to hold a 2 goal lead there without star players.
No time to look backwards now, there's no doubt we should have got 6 points from Reading and at least 4 for QPR and Southampton but what's done is done. The players have to start taking more responsibility.
I would like to think our players would have enough to fire them up without the help of the FSW! Whatever side he chooses to field, surely it must be good enough to do the biz at our place!
Spot on, if sliding to 5th can't inspire our players to at least put in a good performance then nothing will. If we perform to a level near our best every Chelsea and Sunderland fan knows there will only be one winner.
So if the EL is his priority why did he not start the strongest team at home? You're making no sense.
Tomorrow, I expect you to do well against Sunderland, and for us to struggle against Everton. I've already settled for 5th, now.
it will all be clear by games' end tomorrow. Unless we beat Sunderland, then we are really in it up to our necks. The FSW has run out of excuses, it's put up or shut up time for the ****er. it's also time for everyone in the squad to fight till they drop.
Fingers crossed.... I'm worried about the di canio factor. We always seem to struggle against highly motivated opposition. Thank god were at home.
We know Sunderland are going to come for a draw, early goal is vital. If we score early they will have to come out. All they want is a positive result to take into the derby with Newcastle. Like you I'm glad it's at home because even without Di Canio they made it very difficult for Man U last week.
Spurs drawing at half time, but no matter really we just have to bet the blackshir.......ermmmm blackcats
Does anyone have a good stream of the match? All of the ones i've found have been quite poor quality.
