A tale of our profligacy

If ever there was a match that we should have won, this was it. We created numerous chances to finish blackburn off but we were unable to take them. Blackburn improved after the break and got the goal they deserved. Crouch could and should have had a hat trick. Friedal was superb and was rightly voted man of the match. We were unlucky to hit the woodwork twice through Bellamy and Alonso and Bellamy should have had a peno when Lily Savage pulled him back. But the bottom line is that we didn't take any of our numerous chances and blackburn made us pay.

The spotlight has fallen on Crouch since his lack of finishing on Stephens day. He hasn't played half as many games this year as last year when he was the number one striker. Kuyt and Bellamy are the first choice parntership in Rafa's eyes and I think that he's right. They look to be forming a clever and complimentary understanding. This doens't mean that there is a role for Crouch. He'll get his share of games and subs but he isn't an automatic choice now, as he was last year. I hope that he stays at the club. There is some talk of Newcastle bidding £12m for him but I think that's unlikely.

Spurs away is up next. I don't think that this will be easy and I wouldn't be surprised if we drew. Our away record is still quite poor and I would expect spurs to be strong at home. Defoe is on a fairly good run at the moment and he will give us problems if Sami plays.

Only three days until the transfer window opens. You can expect the roumer mill to go into overdrive especially if our investment deal is finalised anytime soon. I don't think that we'll make any huge signings beyond Lucas Neil. Perhaps the likes of James McCarthy at Hamilton Academical or some other youngsters like Astrit Ajdarevic, a 16 year old midfielder at Falkenberg.