Osaka Owl

We've got a very good goalkeeper. For how much longer, I don't know. But for now, let's take some consolation from that.

He has deserved it at times this season. He doesn't deserve it today.

Or, in an alternate reality, closer to the one which we inhabit, they're a very strong and dangerous (not to mention, munificently funded) side which we battled to a stalemate and if not for a couple of pivotal moments which went against us, might have beaten. How about looking at it that way?

Beautiful!

Me too. Should have hooked Bannan, not Charles.

Astonishingly good cross for Smith notwithstanding, it was probably a couple of games too soon for him. Imagine going from the J League to that. He wasn't ready.

He was not playing well before he went off.

Why are people laughing? It's true about both games this season.

I agree. He wasn't the reason we lost today.

Your point about us keeping players who are past their best may be valid, but it doesn't apply to Bannan. I would argue that our problem has been signing players who are past their best. Bannan has, on the whole, made a hugely positive contribution this season. I think the problem today was that he was too up for it and lost his head somewhat.

This is a terrible overreaction. Yes, he wasn't great today, but come on!

Bannan was poor in the second half. We were looking pretty comfortable until he gave the ball away carelessly. Ihiekwe didn't cover himself in glory, but the move resulted from a Bannan error.

We played pretty well, but didn't make it count in the key moments. Can't question the commitment.

Agreed. We had chances to win the game, or at least draw it. We failed to convert them.

Cooper made a great save, but it was straight at him. Downwards to either side and it's a goal. Ihiekwe was completely wrong-footed in the move for their goal. Two decent players who've made significant contributions this season, but not quite at the level we need to kick on.