Villarocker

I watched the whole game too and thought that after we scored our first QPR bossed it and had the better of the chances and game right up until we equalised. We resembled the Bruce tactics after going a goal up and that worries me a lot because we simply didn't defend from the front like we should have done and, have been doing. Hourihane simply is not the man to be relied upon to defend our back four. I thought Thor let us down in this particular game as he should have been the one playing that role and screening the defence. The ball has been coming back our way far too often since the Albion game. Leeds dominated us in our half nearly all game. Preston had large spells of pressure against us too. We are struggling right now and hopefully Smith has the cure!

He's scored a wonder goal or two during a stay that's been too long, came back in from the cold without moaning, cracked on with the job and always looked like he really cares - that's been enough to earn him legendary/cult status with some. How low some have set their standards for our club! For me, I'm grateful that he gets stuck in every game, it at least shows he cares. However, I'd prefer it if he could get into the right positions, mark runners better and just basically do a decent job every game. He doesn't and that's why we concede as many goals from areas of the pitch where he can be found. Playing him at full back in the same team as Elmohamady or Taylor is like having Morecambe and Wise at full back.

Absolutely spot on! We constantly concede goals to runners from midfield. Hourihane simply isn't good enough defensively to play the deeper midfield role - he's slow and lacks strength besides not spotting danger. He's getting game time because of his goal threat and set piece delivery. I actually think McGinn would be better in the deep midfield role as he's naturally stronger, faster and more aggressive. He also shields the ball well. I dont know where that leaves Hourihane though. I guess they could swap roles? Obviously, the answer is to purchase a midfielder who can tackle, is physically up to that role and who can bring the ball out from the back. Hopefully, we can sort that out this month. We also need defenders that are more mobile and who can react quickly to danger. Full backs are also needed.

As for new signings, I hope any deals we have in mind are done ASAP, especially for those wanted to play in the back four!

I think Bolasie has shown some decent signs when he's played. He's created a few and scored one or two. We have to bear in mind how long he went without playing first team football. He's going to take time to hit full throttle but I believe he still has it in him to be a very good player, especially at our current level. I don't care what he did for other managers in the past. I simply care what he does for us now.

You'd have thought that Bruce would use him a lot, being a centre back and with Bruce's tactics of defending leads. The fact Bruce didn't rate him, even enough to cover during the first half of this season, is a worry in itself. Either Bruce was totally delusional or, he made a bad decision purposely or, he just didn't think Elphick was any good to us at all. Personally, I'm hoping it's not the latter of the above, especially if we're going to be putting all our eggs into that one basket. I hope we bring in an other natural centre back during January.

The QPR game is huge for us. Lose that and top six is going to be made a whole lot more difficult because Derby and Boro play each other so at least one of them could go 8 clear of us. If they draw they're both 6 ahead of us. SHA, Sheffield United, West Bromwich all have very winnable games too. Lose to QPR and that table is going to look bad for us.

I hope during the recovery from his injury he watches some videos of the best keepers around to see what they do differently to him

Not much he could do about the og but definitely to blame against Leeds and surely cannot keep a place once the reinforcements come in!

He's just terrible - no doubting that! He needs to be replaced ASAP and sold back to some obscure Scandinavian team at our earliest convenience.

I agree with those wishing for Jarrod Bowen - the lad is a star in the making. Could we possibly fit him in to our current team though?

Don't know about others but I'm expecting a minimum of 18 points from that lot. Can only see us dropping points against QPR, Wigan and Sheffield United.

I think we just need to keep winning now and forget about top two - just ensure we're targeting third to try to guarantee a play-off place. Anything beyond that is a huge bonus.

At least we know that if Sheffield Wednesday score first they will give us the ball for the remainder of the game.

I can't knock the Norwich result because at 1-1 Leeds and 1-3 Norwich I had my last 75p in my bet365 account on Leeds to win (15/4) and Norwich to draw (16/1) to return £60 .

Can't believe nobody's put together a clip of his amazing skill where he left two of their players for dead in the second half. That nutmeg was unbelievable!

I'm sure we play on a great big fluffy green carpet and he has velco-bottomed boots on!

Blimey, it's a bit harsh to expect the guy not to have a Christmas just because we've had a bit of a lean spell.

Is it January 1st yet?

Hutton didn't have a good game but it would have been even riskier to take him off and play Bree there imo. Here's a question, did the keeper and or Chester, give Elmohamady a call for that third goal? If so fair enough but if not, they should've done because Elmohamady could have ducked that ball and it goes for a goal kick. However, didn't excuse such a poor header. Smith did ok today and made the right decisions imo. My only question of him is, can he not see O'Hare as replacement for Jack whilst he's out injured? Especially now that we're going to be playing the less difficult teams in the league.

We just need that better player playing behind him and we'll have a great midfield. It's either that or drop JM deeper and get someone else in to link the play between him and Jack.

I think you'll find that Nyland is, by nature, a natural number two!

That's great - if our players are better than those we can loan from other clubs. For instance, do we have a player at home better than Abraham? Just a thought!

That compilation video doesn't really say he's a great keeper. It simply looks a case of him being gigantic and basically blocking the shots with the mere size of his body.

I think he's being linked with Swansea as Graham Potter is quite a fan!