That's an interesting idea. If true, I think we can say he made his point
People complain about Ashley Young, and in some ways rightly so, but he is someone who can provide a spark of genius once in a while, whereas there was precious little genius on show last night.
It was good, though, in some ways, to see for once and for all that:
Heskey is really too old now.
Petrov is really too old now.
Gabby is a shadow of the player he was two seasons ago.
Bannan is a prospect and worth keeping.
Delph is a prospect and worth keeping.
Clark is a prospect and worth keeping.
Probably can't draw real conclusions about anyone else.
I really really hope Gabby can find form again. It would be too sad to see him go, but frankly he is offering us nothing at the moment and needs to make way for someone who does offer something.
It's interesting to see that there's pretty much general agreement on this thread about who we keep and who not. The differences of opinion are pretty much:
Collins/Dunne: I say keep Collins and move Dunne on. Good game last night from Dunne but he was always going to make an effort against the club who sold him, and he's getting on a bit now. Collins has arguably cost us far fewer goals than Dunne this season, and not just because he's played fewer games!
NRC: I say keep if he'll sign a new contract, but don't offer him higher wages, and make it a short contract if possible, because he seems to play better when it's running out for some strange reason.
Pires: Will simply be too old next season. So long and thanks for all the fish.