Really great showing again from the second string eleven. I think a big difference between this side and our starting eleven is how they're playing without any pressure, they can just go out and play.

Martinelli motm obviously, he looks like this years Guendozi in the way he comes from absolutely nowhere and plays without any fear. He just looks like he belongs on this level. Thought Nelson did better as well, lots of things still doesn't come off for him but he looked more direct and full of confidence. Willock very good again, Tierney should have the left back spot nailed down as soon as he's completely match fit. Holding needs to go straight back into central defense as well, Sokratis and Luiz just doesn't work well as a pair.

Lots to be positive about. We could actually be looking at a situation where 3 or maybe 4 players from the same youth crop becomes regular players for us. Thet's extremely rare these days.

Am I right in thinking Manchester United poached a kid called Willock from us a while back? Maybe a year or two, although I’m not sure when? Or am I imagining it? Having said that, I think it’s way too early for anyone to start comparing Willock to Vieira, which I noticed someone (was it gooner7) do?

Am I right in thinking Manchester United poached a kid called Willock from us a while back? Maybe a year or two, although I’m not sure when? Or am I imagining it? If not, what happened to the brother (I assume) there? Anyway, if a brother did go there, I’m glad it wasn’t Joe that Manchester United signed. Having said that, I think it’s ridiculously early for anyone to start comparing Willock to Vieira, which I noticed someone (was it gooner7) do? His physical presence and ball winning potential is light years behind Vieira.

What a cracking goal!!!

That is some prediction!! If Willock becomes even half the player Vieira was he’ll be a very good player for us.
Vieira for me was one of if not the best central mid in the world at his peak. You don’t get central mids like him in the game anywhere anymore. You’re a destroyer like kante, deep passer like de Bruyne or a box to box late arrival in the box like alli (when he was good) Vieira was all 3 and would destroy the current CM in the league

John Hartson I thought would have praised that astonishing header for the first goal a bit more considering his MO when he was playing, for a player described as winger before and after he signed that's, as i say, astonishing...

Standard were very poor...

You are referring to the oldest of the 3 Willock brothers, Matthew.
He wasn't poached - we didn't offering him a scholarship and they stepped in.
He's a lovely lad, but unfortunately not at the same level as the younger 2.

He was given a couple of relatively low level professional contracts by united and spent his entire time there outside of the 1st team group.

They released him this summer and he has now joined Gillingham, which is probably his level.

Indeed. I know my references back to John Radford might prove tiresome, but Big John began as a winger until his phenomenal holding up and heading skills turned him into one of our great strikers. Martinelli knows how to head a ball. That goal reminded me of Shearer at his deadliest.

All big praise - let's not kibosh the lad!

I think you are correct that Man U did poach one of the Willock brothers from Arsenal. Not sure what happened to him as I think he was highly rated.
I agree also, that its waaaaaaaaaaaaaay to early to start comparing Willock to Vieira. Vieira was one of the finest midfielder's of his generation with wonderful power, grace and remarkable consistency. Willock is very promising and looks to have a good career ahead of him, but there is a very long road ahead until he can be placed alongside PV4.

Indeed. I know my references back to John Radford might prove tiresome, but Big John began as a winger until his phenomenal holding up and heading skills turned him into one of our great strikers. Martinelli knows how to head a ball. That goal reminded me of Shearer at his deadliest.

All big praise - let's not kibosh the lad!

Martinelli scored two absolute crackers. I can't remember the last time I saw a header as good as that from an Arsenal player (perhaps the one he scored against Forest ).

Very impressive performance last night. Every single player did well, without exception from Mustafi to Nelson. Martinelli was the star of the show and it’ll be interesting to see his progression. Could his development, if it continues, lead to a willingness to cash in on Lacazette in the not too distant future?

I think it was Hazuki who pointed out the other day that Nelson has gone from arguably the youngster most likely to make it to further down the pecking order. But credit to him; I don’t remember him having a better game in the first team than that before.

Am I right in thinking Manchester United poached a kid called Willock from us a while back? Maybe a year or two, although I’m not sure when? Or am I imagining it? If not, what happened to the brother (I assume) there? Anyway, if a brother did go there, I’m glad it wasn’t Joe that Manchester United signed. Having said that, I think it’s ridiculously early for anyone to start comparing Willock to Vieira, which I noticed someone (was it gooner7) do? His physical presence and ball winning potential is light years behind Vieira.

Sub-Standard Lieige?

good one

Sub-Standard Lieige?

Tottenham can't catch a break at the moment. Huge blunder by Lloris leading to 1-0 for Brighton, and he injured himself badly in the process.

Brighton 2 up. Judging by the radio commentary they're dominating as well.

Watching Spudz being played off the park by potential relegation fodder is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

3 0. Spurs look absolutely shot of confidence. Brighton are all over them.

Bet you Gallagher backs the ref......