[Slick_Footwork]

While I'd agree with Bomber that Lukaku and Odem were never really replaced (I didn't rate Long), which has caused us problems, that doesn't excuse Irvine's terrible selections with the players that we have always had and know about.

Since McAuley was put into the team by Roy Hodgson, we rarely ever looked like conceding off a set play. He's also pretty solid on the deck too. Him and Olsson were a very reasonable partnership (Let down by full backs) until Olsson's form tailed off. That's why I was chuffed when Lescott was in, for me him and McAuley would be a really solid partnership, as good as any outside of the top 6-8 teams. However for some reason Irvine favors Dawson. While I love Dawson's endevour, he just isn't as good a defender as McAuley. He's slow, always looks like he's going to foul and isn't anywhere near as dominant in the air.

Then you've got the midfield. We acquired Gardner who is a reasonable all rounder, who's main strength is a good shot. It would make sense to play him as a box to box midfielder next to someone more defence minded so he can get forward and chip in with a few goals. As yet, we've seen him and Yacob in the same team only once, at Chelsea away. As a result, Gardner's primary job has been to defend and we're in December and he's yet to register a goal.

I personally think Mulumbu has proven over the years that he's a better option than Dorrans and Brunt who seem to play no matter what. Between them, they haven't had many good games this season. Yet Mulumbu has one bad game and he's gone. It was no surprise to me that Brunt wasn't missed when he was injured tonight.