Shearergol

Still think that list depends if we shift anyone out. Agree - unless they come in on a free. It'll almost be a one in, one out now imo. Darlow/Krul out - GK in Haidara out - LB in De Jong out - #10 in and so on... We're not going to spend the money on a number 10 who can transform us though, that's the issue. Do you think we'll be able to get anyone better than Perez for less than say £15m?

I think it's fairly certain that this is the case. We spent that money on Murphy for the resale value. Luckily Rafa must like him as a player too, he certainly seems to have the right mentality to play for us. However, we clearly needed a keeper and a striker, which Rafa identified and tried to rectify. How we've brought neither in (obviously if and when Joselu is announced this will change) is baffling.

Imagine being a fan of a club who can afford to get rid of Diego Costa. (Afford is the wrong word, I'm not meaning financially). They can't really. Morata & Batshuayi is unconvincing as striking options but Chelsea is moving weird. Costa, Matic out. Bakayoko, Morata, Drinkwater (potentially) in? + CL football I don't think they're any stronger this season. Sell Costa and buy Drinkwater they'll end up with a 30m net spend. Not a lot of money in this day and age. City & United's net spend must be 100m+ I don't disagree. No club in the premiership would actively try to get rid of costa. He's perfect for this league.

Good player, like him.

Finally competing with Chelsea and city.

I'll ignore the fact Rafa will never do that for a second and ask who would be the wing backs? we literally don't have the bodies atm with Yedlin's injury. Atsu and Murphy. Attack attack attack. We really miss Gouffran in this instance like.

Imagine being a fan of a club who can afford to get rid of Diego Costa. (Afford is the wrong word, I'm not meaning financially).

It was, he looks very comfortable with the ball. He's just not sure what to do going forward with it, but you can understand that, especially when we were a man down.

They could always, you know, not sell. So then La Liga has to suffer because they have less time to find an adequate replacement for Neymar, etc. just because we kick off sooner? But if they know when the window closes, surely they just make sure they complete it in that time? Or is your argument that they have less time to do so?

After no goals scored you will understand why we need a striker and number 10. You also need to note that we have a shite keeper and left back, which kinda cause as many issues as a sometimes dodgy centreback.

How many games has Dummett actually played for us at centre-half? I swear some people think he's had 4 seasons there, and the more people mention it the longer that time becomes.

"Never looked the same following his opening game injury" Just getting in there ready for next season's quote.

I'd be surprised if we don't at least bring a keeper in on loan from somewhere. Guess it depends if anyone will take Krul off our hands.

0-0

So we've bought someone who isn't a lone striker, to play in a system which only ever uses a lone striker? Something doesn't add up there.

Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh Expected nobody, signed a nobody, expectations met.

Said it before but Gayle isn't good enough to create his own chances. Really need Atsu and Ritchie to be on top form to get the ball to him in the 6 yard box

After Ashley's comments this week I literally couldn't care what happens. May as well start supporting a Sunday league team.

Looks fucking raging underneath the surface there. He's all about plans and systems, you can't allow for injuries but you can't possible expect such a key player to make such a stupid decision and ruin it all. My guess is he's thoroughly fed up of all the Ashley stuff by now. Even that nobody interviewer trying to create an angle by suggesting he specifically doesn't want to see Ashley based on one answer. Plus no more signings

They really didn't like. Did nothing until well into the second half and even that was from a set piece. We looked more accomplished and created more in open play against a side that is more settled and more capable defensively than City. They had 6 attempts. How many did we have?

Agreed.

Ha, you expected us to win 8-0 did you? You should accept a decent 2-0 loss like a good ol fan. you're doing an exceptional job at letting the point fly directly over your head The comments was people pissing their pants about not smashing spurs 4 or 5 nil. Has anyone implied that? Quote it for me.

Aye. Looking fairly comfortable at 0-0 at HT and quite a few people pissing their pants that we hadn't completely outclassed Spurs and knocked in four or five Yeah, not like anyone is actually basing their opinion on watching us over the last 4 or 5 years is it. Watch every other premiership game this weekend, regardless of the red card we were creating nothing. It's clear to see there is nothing in this team to make us comfortable this year. Going to be relying on moments of brilliance. Even Brighton gave City more of a go yesterday. I expected us to lose today, but I also expected us to have a few corners, see their keeper have to make a few saves. We're exactly the same team as last season. Go back and read match threads if you want a reminder of how poor we actually played. But of course, that means I expect us to be Barca. This has always been the Benitez game plan, though: solid defensively, attack smart but not risky. Relies on creativity. Gayle can't create for himself and Perez is rubbish. Either need a striker making his own chances or a quality number 10. Seen plenty of poorer teams actually playing attacking football and it working. Relying on defensive tactics is one of the hardest tactics to make successful. I trust Rafa to do it but we need 4 or 5 more players, and they're not coming.

Ha, you expected us to win 8-0 did you? You should accept a decent 2-0 loss like a good ol fan.

Aye. Looking fairly comfortable at 0-0 at HT and quite a few people pissing their pants that we hadn't completely outclassed Spurs and knocked in four or five Yeah, not like anyone is actually basing their opinion on watching us over the last 4 or 5 years is it. Watch every other premiership game this weekend, regardless of the red card we were creating nothing. It's clear to see there is nothing in this team to make us comfortable this year. Going to be relying on moments of brilliance. Even Brighton gave City more of a go yesterday. I expected us to lose today, but I also expected us to have a few corners, see their keeper have to make a few saves. We're exactly the same team as last season. Go back and read match threads if you want a reminder of how poor we actually played. But of course, that means I expect us to be Barca.