Two very nicely executed if simple goals. Just what we needed. Lived dangerously at times though... and how we will cope against Hull one or two of the Sky 4 at Wembley... I think we could do it once but twice is probably a step too far.

I only saw the game on the internet, a poor quality French station, but we looked abysmal. I've seldom seen such poor passing. Having said that, the conditions looked pretty atrocious but even Boro managed to string passes together, why not us? How we miss someone to calm things down in the middle of the park!

Well at least we have reached a semi so let's make the most of it and hope for an improvement before we meet one of the big three.

Poor Fella was treated like a rag doll by the Boro defenders and stricter referees may have taken stronger action but as usual he was expected to put up and shut up. Previously he has lost it a bit when provoked but I thought today he was quite composed given his treatment and boy did he enjoy that goal.

Ossie also deserves a special mention for the way he chased up and down the pitch frequently supporting Jags who should not be RB but I suppose you got to give it to the manager, we got the result.

And although this is about little and large I have to mention Saha who showed again that he is a class striker.

Our defence was off colour today but somehow I feel they will come good again at Wembley. We showed our cup fighting spirit again today and the Saha substitution was the key allowing Timmie to move back in midfield where he really shone.

As for comments that we might struggle against Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea without Arteta, I?m afraid I don?t buy into that and I really didn?t care who we got in the draw. Arteta has been terrific for us this season but to be fair he hasn?t always done it against the likes of Chelsea and Utd.

If my memory serves me right it was Fellaini who gave Utd a torrid time when we met at Goodison. He showed today that he is regaining his fitness and his overall contribution has improved; however, we need him to play in the middle if we are to overcome the Mancs.

No doubt there will be a great deal of interest in how Rooney performs against us but my money would be on Saha upsetting his former team, assuming he stays fit of course.

We need to keep Saha fit and allow Cahill and Fallaini to support from deeper. We may have accidently found the temporary answer to the Arteta problem. Rodwell should remain as cover for Neville for the time being.

As I said in the the thread, Painfull Night at Ewood, we need someone who can bring the two wingers and the front men into the game and that was not happening while we had Rodwell and Neville on the pitch.

Cahill made a massive difference.

I can't remember him doing anything of real note again today? Perhaps he is saving it all up to lead Man U a merry dance.

I honestly feel that his displays in the last six weeks or so in particular have been absolutely outstanding. His displays in midfield particularly have been both surprising and crucial to at times holding a very disjointed team together.

Like many others, when he arrived and for a long time afterwards, I bemoaned his lack of passing ability in such a seasoned professional while never doubting his overall contribution to the side. However, I do honestly believe that his displays recently have been deserving of the highest praise and in fact his passing in particular has at last begun to reflect the seasoned professional he is. I do feel that his influence in the side is beyond measure and I am sure that the youngsters who have been drafted in have been reassured by his presence and influence alongside them.

I often feel that mention of Neville means that people immediately go to the frustrations that many of his earlier performances induced in many of us. Recently, however, I have been amazed and delighted at the new found assurance, the improvement in his passing ability and in his all round game.

In addition to which in an often corrupt, cheating soccer environment he remains a player and a man of genuine integrity and I do feel it deserves more widespread recognition. As a manager I am sure David Moyes must pencil his name in the teamsheet even in his sleep for I feel his presence on the pitch must bring much confidence to the manager and particularly when performing so effectively in so many areas of responsibility associated with captaincy.

In my humble opinion Phil Neville remains a credit to himself and his family, his club and to the game. Well done Phil Neville ? let?s hope he enjoys the honour of lifting the cup!

First, how well Cahill played in the second-half role. Traditionally he has not been the most skilful or best passer, but today he seemed more composed and purposeful. Confidence from a fantastic season might be rubbing off, or he might be maturing as a player. Either way ? excellent.

Second, Fellaini not only played better (contrary to some on this site, he can pass a ball), he behaved better. Despite some incredible provocation, he stayed cool and we all benefited. A strong(er) word from Davey in his ear, perhaps?

Third, Saha is not only a class act ? without him (or another credible forward) up front, we lack balance in midfield and tend to revert to hoofball.

As someone mentioned earlier, a centre pairing of Rodwell and Neville (good as he has been) does not work. We can only hope that Hibbert returns to fitness and Saha gets fit enough to start the semi-final. We then might just give Man U a run for their money.

Also, I think Moysey needs to give Lars a debut vs Stoke at RB. I like Yobo, but he has a good head and is fast as fuck and maybe an interseting midfield choice. Then again, maybe I?m just high...

Fellaini definitely put in an improved performance today which was pleasing to see. He can be like a new signing for us going into the final stretch of the season.

I?d agree that Cahill was a calming influence for us when he dropped back into midfield and I know he is capable of playing in that sort of role from his games with Australia. Maybe for Man U, a combative central midfield pairing comprised of Timmy and Pip (with perhaps Fellaini dropping deep from time to time) might do the trick.

On a more negative note, I think Jagielka at right-back is a big no-go. I hope Hibbert is back fit soon because since Yobo came into the side, we have looked considerably shaky, and the nervousness seems to be beginning to spread to Howard too! Osman I?m afraid was a passenger again today. His performances have been well documented this season so I won't get into it again but the right-midfield position is definitely a high priority come summer.

Semi-finals at Wembley... bring it on!

Last evening I watched Getafe v Malaga. Neither have a cat in hell?s chance of overhauling Real or Barca but the skill they displayed ? especially in passing ? was outstanding. To have a chance of winning anything, you have to be able to keep hold of the ball!

We have a chance to put another 7 to 12 points on the board. Man Ure will have Chelski breathing down their necks in the Premier League over the next few weeks. Plus the, ?I finished in the top 4 Cup? to worry about. If the Red Shite get past Madrid and Utd get past Inter I will have fingers crossed they are drawn together. This means they will be playing each other on the Tues/Weds in the second leg of the quarters just before the semi?s weekend.

This is the case regardless of the draw so.... One game at a time.
COYB

The first half seemed we were not at all interested. The commentator here in Germany said something like ?Everton are playing the hoof long ball ? like English Football in the Stoneage? and while I hated him for saying it ? he was right.

Okay, no Arteta ? but we have other decent players who can play football. Not just that but we just weren?t interested in challenging for the ball ? nowhere. Don?t get me wrong I was delighted with the win, but Boro and 2nd last in the PL and the 2 goals were gifted. Great to see Cahill going back into midfield and Saha getting in? nice to see DM waking up too. I thought how long will he wait before he explodes at that crap.

Well done lads ? no more 1st half please ? and please build on 2nd half. Need bite.