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They’ve given themselves a chance with that win. December still looks an incredibly difficult month for them though and they’ll need to get some more points before January.

Three games in for Gerrard so far and I think we’ve already seen his mark on the team. Belief, courage on the ball, better pressing and improved fitness. A tighter 433 formation is now denying the opposition the space to play through us. Going toe to toe with Man City in the second half was a pleasure to watch, despite the final result. Lots of positives for Gerrard to work on and I think we can now go into games with the belief that we’ll give anyone a game. Another tough fixture to predict this one as Leicester are a strange side this season. Keeping clean sheets seems to be an issue for them, but the Vardy goals just keep coming despite his age, and he’ll need to be watched closely. Maddison is back in favour now and his form much improved. They have some very good players but they’re no Man City and clearly beatable. Depending on fitness/fatigue and knocks then I expect to see a team close to the one below. I also expect goals and this could be a 2-1 to either side or a 2-2 game. December is a tough month as the games come thick and fast, and I think we have a couple of players (Mings and McGinn) who are one booking away from suspension. Gerrard may need to box clever with his subs over the next few games. Martinez Cash Konsa Mings Targett Nakamba Luiz McGinn Buendia Watkins Young Subs: Steer, Hause, Tuanzebe, Sanson, Ramsey, Carney, El-Ghazi, Ings, Davis

Honestly, in times like this we should move all rivalries, hatred and banter to one side. Football stuff really becomes insignificant.

A truly horrific case of abuse. I had to turn the news over last night as my two children (ages 9 and 7) were in the room. They stopped what they doing and asked what was wrong with the boy crying out. Mrs F and I did our best to explain briefly that sometimes people are cruel and that’s why it’s important to be kind. It churns the stomach and makes my blood boil that this cruelty goes on in the world.

Really is a must win game now against Burnley this weekend. Anything less than 3 points and I do think that’s them gone. Confidence will be shattered regardless of who they try and bring in January, and to honest they could be cut drift by then if they have a disastrous December.

He’s giving them belief and confidence with the ball. It’s a good watch seeing the improvement. Our fitness is much improved already and we really pushed City until the final whistle. He’s a serious guy and this is only good for the players going forward.

Some have asked who we could look at for the left back position in order to provide competition for Targett. A few of us have mentioned Aaron Hickey at Bologna including myself but an alternative closer to home could be Lee Buchanan at Derby? Only 20 years of age and already made over 50 appearances for Derby. With the financial position at Derby right now, I don’t think we’d need to offer much to get him. Could be a great option if perhaps underwhelming. Owen Wijndal at Ajax would be an interesting one but he certainly wouldn’t come cheap and doubt he’d move to us to be a back up man. Instant competition for Targett. Can’t imagine Arsenal would consider selling Kieran Tierney but if there was a sniff in the air, I’m sure we’d be interested. Price would certainly be very high though.

His character showed on the players in the second half. Early days but the signs are there.

Fantastic again when he came on.

PROUD

Sometimes you just have to applaud the opposition as they’re streets ahead of us. We’re pretty much chasing shadows. Even out of possession, they’re pressing us into mistakes so quickly. Really tough night for us but a learning curve for Gerrard.

Gerrard could be a major factor in players moving to us now. No disrespect to Deano but I would of thought some players wouldn’t even have heard of him.

Mings and McGinn are both one booking away from suspension. Lots of games coming up in December.

Newcastle really need to win the next game against Burnley now. Looked poor but obviously losing a man so early didn’t help. Norwich, dear me. Ponderous football, almost sleepwalking stuff. Two very poor sides on show this evening.

Glad he signed that four-and-half-year deal back in February of this year. He’s doing incredibly well and now learning from one of the very best in his position. Just brilliant for the lad and us.

Exactly this. I would even suggest 4 or 6 points needed but certainly anything less and they’re in deep trouble.

I wondered if he’d be in a box (out of sight) with old friends or something?

Probably a daft question but if he’s not fit to make the squad on Wednesday, would he still attend the game or stay away?

Such a tough fixture because do they have any weak spots? One quality player missing and another just slots straight in. However, no one is unbeatable and we have to go into the game with that belief. Gerrard will provide that kind of belief and demand it even. Be interesting to see the players mentality if we go a goal down? Under Smith, our recovery from a losing position was mostly poor. Depending on fitness/fatigue, then the team that started so well against Palace keep the shirt on merit in my view. From half time (if it’s not working or we’re losing) or after 60/70 minutes, then fresh legs can be used. I would then consider some rotation against Leicester possibly next Sunday. My heart says a credible draw but my head says they’ll be too good for us. Martinez Cash Konsa Mings Targett Nakamba McGinn Ramsey Bailey Watkins Young Subs: Steer, Hause, Tuanzebe, Luiz, Sanson, Buendia, Carney, El-Ghazi, Ings

Interestingly, he’s not made the bench either today, so you would assume that he wouldn’t be fit to start on Wednesday? At best, he may make the bench on Wednesday but looking doubtful. I’m pleased to be honest because that kind of sideshow can be a distraction for us and the players.

He was/still is highly thought off and has several England caps to his name. However, if he is earning the reported £85K a week, then we shouldn’t be pursuing him. He’d want an improved contract to move and he’s not starting ahead of Konsa or Mings, so it’s a big no from me.