Don't think so.
Deliberate attempt (instructions?) to unsettle our better players as they realise we are a genuine threat this season.
Think Carragher on Pienaar to unsettle Bainaar in the derby not sure how manay years ago that was.
Obviously did not count on Pickers losing control and putting him on crutches.
Karma, ladies and gentlemen. Have a look at the below and tell me this is not a deliberate tactic they employ...
Frankly, they're a bunch of snides. And every successful team has a bit of that. However, we just snided them right back. And look at the reaction. Carlo new we had to stand up to them.