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Agreed. It's the same situation as Cleverly really. Will be deadline day or therabouts.

Quality. Loved Adrian's sliding celebration, not too many of those occasions in the career of a goalkeeper

Classic cup tie at the Boleyn ground

I had a pretty horrible feeling we wouldn't sign anyone during this period so pretty happy to get somebody as interesting as Carles in. Surely that's the type of player most fans want to see coming in? Young, skillful, low wages and somewhat of an unknown and understated player.

Don't see why we need a press confrence to announce the signing anyway

I guess the fine would be factored into the fee. Only a few owners could sanction such a deal really.

Costa and Messi upfront at Chelsea...?

Nobodies mentioned him yet amongst all the excitement about Grealish/Westwood but I'm quite excited Cole's back too. Perfect opportunity for the three to get some game time under their belts as it's what they all need.

Got away from the game pretty sharpish today, parked at the roundabout by Aston Park and was passed by a black Lamborghini Huracan on the M6 northbound. Didn't quite see the driver, it was doing a fair pace but suspect it might have been Gabby. Anyone know what he's driving these days?

Despite all this talk on 'possession football' we still didn't have the majority of possession at home today, just more than we have had previously this season

I don't know if I feel the result would have been different even with Delph. I think we were the superior side but ultimately we didn't score so cannot claim we deserved to win. If anything, they went closer in hitting the post. There were encouraging signs though. Our defence is impressive (even more so with 10 men) and Sanchez is really assisting the central defensive pairing's efforts. Grealish looks like he has goals in him as well and must be in line for a start soon enough. I hope it's against Palace but perhaps he prefers coming on later for now. Also good attendance given the opposition. I hope it remains as high for Palace.

Had a bit last night but it struggled to lie, too wet.

Would love a win away at Swansea, especially given it's Boxing Day and would put us into a good position for Sunderland a few days after. Realistically though, it's a tough game, we're not favourites, I'd take a draw honestly but can't help think there's a chance of nicking a win given our counter attacking style works well away from home. Perhaps it's the mulled wine! Is there a Sunderland (home) thread yet for the game on the 28th? Got a ticket today.

50/50 challenge for me! He isn't high so I wouldn't consider it dangerous or malicious

We've set up really well against United's top heavy line up and that goal was Benteke in a nutshell, world class. Suspect Van Gaal will change at half time though!

I like that side, will be interesting to see 5 at the back. The united side is scary though. Would bet Falcao scores 2

There are some unbelievable players essentially going to waste in this league! Even one of the three would be a vast improvement

I hope it doesn't turn out as serious as it looked, he seemed in real pain from the replays shown of the physios assessing him on the field on MOTD. Supplying and supporting Benteke is our number 1 priority in reality and Westwood plays a big role in that

Fletch & Sav on BT Sport this morning, all four had Villa down to win 1-0 (Fletch, Savage, Owen and McManaman)

Up to 12th - a point off Everton!

Benteke anytime and Villa win came in for me - Who'd have thought!

2 moments, one man

To some extent I'd actually rather a relegation fight (and avoid going down) than mid-table obsucrity. Would be more interesting

Saying that, he didn't score for the U21's. I would like to see him play as much as anyone though. He should be playing somewhere consistently, whether it's out on loan, U21's or the first team

If it was going to be anyone, it would be Gabby. He's the only attacking instinct we've looked to have had!