TheDrowningMan

:)

I hate to say it, but Gerrard probably should have been dropped after Chelsea. I feel for him, but he's looked haunted, glazed eyes ever since. I would do if I'd been unfortunate enough to slip at that point, but sadly we need him to provide a bit of inspiration, not look like a PTSD sufferer. It's trickled down to everyone.

This is what Roy Evans would have called a "deckchair performance". Worse, really given that the difference could be between second and third.

I haven't "crawled out of the woodwork" because you didn't notice any of my posts until after the Chelsea game. It doesn't work like that.

This game is looking like it's over. Newcastle might get a second or third, but it's hard to see anything else. Nasri has scored, but we all knew the title went after the Chelsea result, despite the odd bit of creative writing from some desperately attempting - and I suspect failing - to convince themselves otherwise. It's not acceptable to lose this though.

There really doesn't seem to have been any leadership on the pitch since the Chelsea loss.

I've never understood that - it's a simple fact. I said last season that it might do Rodgers good to bring in another coach to deal exclusively with defensive duties, and that still stands. As great a job as he's done overall, it's not his area and it never will be. Next season won't be what we hope if the defence isn't tightened up to the tune of 20 goals or so.

Heads went after Chelsea. That will be a huge shot in the arm for City - they'll score very soon.

Yep, it's been a superb season. To me, finishing second from where we were last season is far more meaningful than a team like Manchester City winning the league.

There is more chance of us finding a way to travel back and win the league in 2008-09 than there is of West Ham beating Manchester City tomorrow. It's over.

The most optimistic thing I can say is that I think Allardyce is the sort of character who would be over the moon to deny another side glory on their own turf, provided they were not managed by Ferguson. I can't picture us winning the league, but a shit-eating Allardyce grin is another matter.

This. There's no way City will fail to win both of their last home games. In fact, if Villa can't beat them, I'd rather City won today, in order to give West Ham more of a shot. Ultimately, it's borderline impossible for us to win the league. We weren't quite good enough in the first half of the season, but we've still come a long way.

Hahahahaha, no. Just no. Please don't delude yourself, it'll only lead to pain. The title is gone, dead, buried. It will be a fantastic achievement if the players have the mental strength to beat Newcastle & secure second place on the final day.

Well, Steve Peters' stock has certainly nosedived today...

Yep.

It's close enough.

They might rest a few players and draw, but they definitely won't lose.

Well done to Palace - ultimately, they wanted it more. It means more to them.

A point is a good result from this fixture under the circumstances - out of the title race but able to clinch second after a massively demoralising loss. A point is not a good result from this fixture having gone three - nil up, but it looks like a point is what we'll have to settle for.

Be right back, just going to bet the house on the next goal coming from City.

Erm...

Yep.

This is, of course, the same club that reacted furiously to be called "smaller" - not small, but smaller than Liverpool - a few years ago, despite that being a certifiable fact.

Yeah, I'm not hopeful for Monday if City waltz to victory here. I'd say a draw at Palace would be an excellent result given the circumstances, let alone a win. The last week will have taken a lot out of the players psychologically.

I knew City had sealed the title last weekend - truth be told, everyone did - but I wasn't expecting the entire club of Everton to be so brazen in their cheerleading of Manchester City. It certainly warrants investigation.