To Miliband's right, as always, sat Ed Balls, whose official role of Thorn In The Side Of The Government is now almost so established it deserves its own salary. (politics.co.uk)
Sunderland have enjoyed an excellent record over Newcastle in the last couple of years, with Adam Johnson a constant thorn in the side for the Magpies. (caughtoffside.com)
Hazard was a constant thorn in the side of fellow countrymen Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. (latestchelseanews.com)