I wouldn't say that performance against Hull was bad, but it comes to something when you actually wish Nicklas Bendtner would come on to make a difference. Give the boy credit where it's due, that's precisely what he did. Three points of course, but half way through that game I think I actually lost the will to live. Bearing in mind, I was watching it on Setanta, just bear a thought for those people who went. 'Ooll regularly vies with Middlesborough and Luton as Crap Town of the Year. To add insult to injury it even chucked it down with rain. Hats off to you boys! That's what I call devotion.

If I hear or read another person who claim we have the best full backs in the Premier League, I think I'm going to hit them. Sagna? OK. Clichy? Forget it. The words complete, utter and liability spring to mind. Of course most people remember when he went walkabout against Birmingham last season, but he actually does the same in almost every game he plays in. Sometimes he's found out, sometimes he isn't. Occasionally, he goes into 'dog in the park' mode. You know, he gets hold of the ball and no-one can get it off him. You marvel at his energy and close control but then realise he's just going round and round in circles for absolutely no reason at all.

More damaging than that is 'idiot' mode. In this state he seems almost rooted to the spot and all he does is stick out a leg or wave his arms about. The opposition can do precisely what they like. Cross, shoot, roll themselves a cigarette. It happens for about 10 or 15 minutes in most games, normally towards the end. If you catch his eyes on TV, you feel like asking "Is anyone at home?" Of course not. The lights are on, but he's out. An endearing little trait? Unfortunately not. Every coach in the Premier League must have noticed it. You can bet your sweet life that the last word they say to their right winger is, "Push up on the left back, he goes to sleep." "OK, boss." Count the goals he gives away and weep.

Nasri almost carried that midfield singlehandedly. I had to look hard to see whether the other three were still on the pitch. Diaby has got talent, but he's obviously not quite sure what he should be doing. In the face of all this confusion, he elects to do nothing. Eboue we all know about. A good athlete, but what use is that when he's continually slicing the ball into the crowd? Denilson is in a class of his own. He reminds me of those joggers you see running round the streets. One paced? Bearing in mind that that one pace is slow, I'm not even sure that qualifies. Added to that, he can't tackle without fouling or falling over, and can't reliably make a ten yard pass to a red shirt. In the end you have to ask yourself what exactly is the point of him being on the pitch?

The annoying thing with all these characters is that this time is their golden opportunity to make a name for themselves, seeing as all the big guns are injured. Why bother wasting all that match time on players who are going backwards? I watched the youth team game in midweek and saw Frimpong, Lansbury and Coquelin play out of their skins. Of course, they're not ready to mix it with the big boys, but they could not have done any worse. At least they play with a bit of verve, energy and imagination. Why persevere with the current lot?

Nice to see Adebayor look a bit more like a professional footballer, and we've obviously discovered the ultimate impact sub in young Nick. A top four finish? I'm not holding my breath. Are you?