[Worldclassalbion]

I have said Varela, Ideye, Blanco and Gamboa deserve a run in the team. Having said that Ideye at the expense of Berahino is crazy as this game was crying out for Saido.

I really want Ideye to do well BUT AI should have made the change far earlier for me. 2-0 up after 20 minutes and cruising then WTF happened.

As for defending, we have been doing well this season BUT dear oh dear. Its the first time we have attacked well and we have switched off at the back.

I am not AI's biggest fan but he has gone for goals BUT in my opinion we are going NOWHERE fast with him in charge other than the Championship. Whether you blame him or not the Buck stops with him and he has to go and take the F*^kin keith Downing with him.

The silver lining is Varela on a very dark storm cloud hanging over AI and any progress we are hoping for. This defeat has knocked the stuffing out of me and once again totally ruined my week.

My Christmas wish is that AI goes and the further the better back up the M6

[wba_1996]

Saw someone on .com say last week that the win against Villa is the win that will relegate us. Rather prophetic I thought...

If that Benteke shot at the end had crept in we'd be on the hunt for a head coach again tonight.

[Mosestheballwinner]

Alan Irvine is more inept than Bobby Gould ever was.

[HarryJAllstarWBA]

As gutting as that was, I'm still trying to stay positive (which is difficult). There was a definite improvement in performance which is good, confident if we play like that we won't go down. Question is whether AI will use that as a reason to go back to his usual tactics.. My first away match of the season and thought the fans were really good today.

[Amelia Chaffinch]

What happened there, guys? One minute I'm thrilled because you're 2-0 up, the next time I look they've pulled back to 2-2. Then lost.

[BBB]

How could they let a 2-0 lead disappear - regardless of the poxy re decision - how many times has that been?

The 1st half was good, the 2nd we were frightened of our own shadows - obviuously Naffe had more npouse than Irvine - end of + a better striker than Saido = 3 goals.

Oops now fellers i have just seen the last six matches of the season. Not good.

[baggietrousers]

Deeply deeply worried, I can't see anything ahead other than the championship. 2-0 up ffs. I have read all the posts and can understand everyone's feelings including those who have some sympathy with AI, after all he's not on the pitch and can't be blamed for complete and utter incompetence from some who are. What he is responsible for is it's him that picks the team, sets the tactics, and coaches the team. He sets the tone and at the moment that tone is negative. I've read many times that a lot believe this squad is the best we've had for a long time, and I agree, it is, and with the right coach we would be comfortably mid table. AI has to go, along with the equally incompetent back room staff, now. Although I fear it's already too late.

[WillieJohnstonsGreenhouse]

The problem is everyone was calling out for our £10m signing to play, for our new wingers etc - then when they play and it goes t*ts up it's the manager's fault.

I'm not defending AI - but this problem has cropped up for the last few seasons and I honestly don't know how any new manager would change it.

It's too easy to say 'why wasn't Mulumbu or Berahino starting?' but if they'd had a bad game it would be 'why's he dropping Mozza....etc'

There's a fundamental problem at the club. We have the best squad we've ever had in the Prem but the lack of belief is frightening.
Is that due to the manager, the fans, Lawro ????????????? I don't know - but we should not be struggling like this every season.

Gutted and non the wiser

[Tom_Wba]

The biggest worry is if Irvine goes is Peace may look at Swansea and see how well Monk has done and give the job to Kieth Downing my god that would be the final straw but i don't think he cares who he upsets to be honest

[HarryJAllstarWBA]

Team for City:

Foster
Wisdom McAuley Lescott Pocognoli
Mulumbu Gardner Dorrans
Sessegnon Berahino Varela