Baba

One of the benefits of having money to spend, regardless of whether it's actually spent or not, is that agents will see us as a club where they might have opportunity to do business rather than seeing our players as the opportunities for them to do business. Could mean that they'll be more reluctant to threaten the relationship by touting our players to other clubs, which would be great. It's always galling to see our players being linked with mediocrity such as Tottenham, West Ham etc. simply because of the perception (rightly or wrongly) that we need to balance the books. Comments on a West Ham forum after our recent capitulation to them were asking whether Bilic's praise of Lukaku after the match was because he intended to buy him at the end of the season. Didn't know whether to laugh or cry!

Martinez clearly managed to ensure that all of the players were 'up for it' tonight, and fair enough they already ought to be in a cup QF, but to have such a difference in attitude and application between games is frustrating. Happens with all teams, but just seems more pronounced with us. The high pressing tonight was great to see.

His second finish through Courtois' legs was almost as impressive as the first - being on his slightly weaker foot