1. Southgate is one of the best defenders in the country and has been our best signing ever (even more so than Franck Queudrue) and we miss him a lot. Ehiogu is old, injuries have taken their toll and he was never that good in the first place. Riggott has a reat future ahead of him - 'the new Gary Pallister'.
2. We could finish 4th. We probably won't, but we have a better chance than any of the 'high mid-tablers (Birmingham, Villa etc)', but we're not as good as Liverpool or Newcastle (yet).
3. If Liverpool had stayed the same as last season I would say we were better equipped than them this season, but I think they've strengthened immensely and should easily finish above Man Utd. I will say however, our defence is better than theirs.
4. The Arsenal game on Sunday - we played well and were actually tight at the back for a long period of time, but admittedly, without the experience and organisation of the great Sir Gareth 'Gate we crumbled. If only we had went a couple of minutes without conceding after going 3-1 up....
5. Mendieta was absolute rubbish. He needs to be played in the centre but we don't have a right winger.