CPL

Exactly!

No idea why they told Matic, might as well as handed over the title over to Manchester, between both of those clubs this season. Chelsea don't have enough squad depth to compete in both the league and champions league.

I've never thought Gayle, in the system we play, would work in this league. Nowt do to with the first two games. I'm not even sure it would work in any system with the players we have at our disposal. So if Benitez wants to sell him and bring in someone better suited no problem. But obviously it has to be his decision. Agree with this, if he insists on playing one up front, Gayle wouldn't suit our formation at all. Maybe he's an inferior version of Owen, he will get you goals but will contribute little else. How many times did Owen play up front on his own?

So depressing reading this thread, seems like my first thoughts in the morning is to check if Rafa is still our manager ?

Extra time

Great post agree with all of this 100%

Anyone hear about the German player who injured himself celebrating and is out for 7months! ? What a silly celebration.

There was a point in the game where Atsu brought a superb long ball down from Mbemba I think but unfortunately was given offside. Anyone see the replay on tv?

We badly lacked width. Every time he got the ball he looked for the wide ball but the option wasn't there very often. Will be interesting when we have Yedlin and hopefully get more balance and space down both wings.

I was saying this after 10mins. Unless we hit them on the counter attack or a set piece there was no way we were going to play through them. I think most Championship teams could defend against Perez and Gayle if we are just going to lump it up to them. Joselu's first touch retained the ball in the middle of the park and his second touched teed up a team mate on the edge of the box from the same attack. At least Rafa recognised this as he made the substitution immediately after they scored, unfortunately I think with the squad that we have that's what our tactics will probably be for most away games. Keep it tight first half and hopefully sneak a winner in the second half when the game opens up a bit more.

He's a backup fullback and that's it, if Yedlin is fit he should be first choice every time.

100% agree ?? Agree with this

Just got back from the game my few positive points are: Clark is the only one who wants to play it on the deck and is comfortable in possession. Each time they pressed us the others panicked. Merino looked decent in spells, it was his debut and he made a few mistakes but when there was a forward pass he would play it. I just wish he had more pre season with us, was a difficult game to start in. Mbemba looked nervy at the back but actually was one of our better players today, make a great goal saving tackle. Gayle isn't going to get many goals based on the team we played today, he did next to nothing and looks unfit. Joselu did more in 2mins than Gayle did all game. That's not his fault as time and time again we launched it forward and he had no chance. If Joselu took one of his chances it would have changed the game. Feeling very worried at the minute, is it too early to say must win next game?

Based on today's performance I'd rather play Darlow, cause he sliced the first kick so badly he lost confidence rest of the game.

The players still not out on the pitch yet. Town players been warming up for at least 15mins.

16million sounds a snip can't believe more teams weren't in for him including us. Edit: talking about Hernandez obviously

3-2 Soto

Sitting in the home end, not feeling too confident based on the weekend's results.

Echo the comments everyone else has made. Not been this proud of our manager since Sir Bobby, can't wait for the atmosphere at St James' Park later.

How did he do today? Is he quick?

Remember this so well. That trap from a high, travelling crossfield pass was something you rarely see. Just killed it under his boot. Absolutely stunning. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk Think it was Tiote's pass but the gasp from the crowd said it all, in the current team maybe only Perez comes close who is capable of something like that.

People always talk about the goals vs Blackburn and Bolton, but I remember the stoke game (3-0 at home) where the ball was switched to his side and the left back was closing him down quickly, he trapped the ball magnificently and played it ahead of Danny Simpson to run onto in one fluid movement . Simply Jizztastic!

Depends on who we get to replace him but based on the slow and expensive transfer window I would probably keep him at this moment in time.

What a joke of a decision!

Saved!!