This game was deemed Sakho's last performance till potentially mid February (assuming Senegal went all the way).

Any sensible manager (without an agenda) would have rested AC. An injury to him would've left us with just Valencia (I refuse to include CC in our available strikers).

But a barnstorming, high velocity, searing victory from Sakho/Valencia? With Carroll gazing mournfully from the bench?

Ye Gods.....BFS was never going to risk that.