The Spanish Inquisition

Did Tuesday's downpour just delay the inevitable? Well, in a sense, yes. OK, Barcelona chalked up their tenth successive Champions' League victory against us - but it was the manner of the defeat which will have come as little surprise to anyone who's been watching us over the last year or so. No disgrace whatsoever. A goal down after seven minutes and Overmars tormenting our defence all night, it would have been tempting to fear the worst for a team with an average age of 24 - but these lads have got real heart, and Ameobi seemed intent on taking them on on his own, turning in a sensational display. Three things stood between us and at least a point: a couple of defensive lapses, Robert's shooting (again...) and Dyer's John Inman-esque efforts to clear Motta's header from a yard behind the line. So, a great deal of pride to be taken from the performance, and the Spaniards' visit to St James' should be quite special.