Pata

Agree, he's a really good physically strong old school CF.

Miley playing as the deepest midfielder was the main change. Trippier was playing deeper than usual and more central at times when we were in possession, side effect was that it made Almiron a total passenger and he wasn't involved at all.

Crossposting this from the top four thread as I feel it's also relevant here: Looking at this seasons expected points on Understat and we (-3.68 points) are pretty much even with Villa at fifth place, fighting for 4th place with them and Chelsea. Spurs (+11.52 points), Man United unsurprisingly (+10.00 points), West Ham (+7.81 points), Liverpool (+7.63 points) and Villa (+6.28 points) have been really lucky so far. Everton are seventh without the deduction well ahead of Brighton, Tottenham, West Ham and Man United. Looking at that data and we've been really unlucky this season on the basis that our main rivals have all been running really good and being quite lucky while we are having a tougher season even without taking into account all the injury problems. Just confirms to me that judging Howe based on this season is not fair on him and he has a clean slate to start the 24/25 season.

Yeah, Pep has basically completely got rid of fullbacks, no wonder he had a fallout with Cancelo and didn't mind seeing him leave. Walker is now one of the 3 CBs when he plays and Lewis/Stones (and if they are both missing then Akanji) are basically CMs.

Just looked and our expected goals against last season was 27 after 24 games so we had ran really good and Pope had been sensational. This season expected goals against is at 41, it's still a clear increase but doesn't look quite as bad. Looking at this seasons expected points on Understat and we (-3.68 points) are pretty much even with Villa at fifth place, fighting for 4th place with them and Chelsea. Spurs (+11.52 points), Man United unsurprisingly (+10.00 points), West Ham (+7.81 points), Liverpool (+7.63 points) and Villa (+6.28 points) have been really lucky so far. Everton are seventh without the deduction well ahead of Brighton, Tottenham, West Ham and Man United. Looking at that data and we've been really unlucky this season on the basis that our main rivals have all been running really good and being quite lucky while we are having a tougher season even without taking into account all the injury problems. Just confirms to me that judging Howe based on this season is not fair on him and he has a clean slate to start the 24/25 season.

The goal is just as much on Botman and Miley as it was on Burn and MGW's pass was inch perfect tbh. First Elanga chance would've been tough for anyone as a contested ball on midfield quickly turned into a through ball and Elanga got a head start due to his good positioning and movement. Thought he was fine yesterday overall and don't have many complaints but he seems to have a massive spotlight on him right now as some fans look for a scapegoat.

That's a staggering difference but the timing of the other injuries must play a role too. Pope sweeping long balls and through balls looks very standard and ordinary but is so important, you don't really realise it until you see a GK that allowed that chance to Awoniyi happen (or even the Elanga goal which Pope might have dealt with). He made a mess of it few times and it's often scary to watch but we badly miss that right now.

Klopp too based on his ability (for now) but wouldn't want him due to his cuntish personality.

Botman was badly beaten for pace on Elanga's goal and Awoniyi's chance (which Dubravka should clear 10/10 before Awoniyi touches the ball tbf). I honestly don't think our defenders have gotten that much worse individually (yes, including Dan Burn) but the combination of a lightweight midfield that offers no protection and Dubravka being rooted to his line exposes and highlights their weaknesses.

Is there anything that suggests that he wouldn't be the man right now? He's worked at Bournemouth, Burnley and Newcastle which he took to a cup final in his first full season. Only reason that question gets thrown about is the fact he hasn't won anything yet but I don't really think his trophy drought at Bournemouth looks that bad on his CV (if you exclude the numerous promotions).

Ah man, hope someone hacked your account.

He was really good against Fulham and Villa, why is the narrative suddenly that he's been garbage for a long time?

Wilson hurt his shoulder wrestling there.

Awful from Dubs, Awoniyi takes the first touch inside our box and Dubs nowhere to be seen.

No need to be that angry about things that could’ve happened.

What was wrong with the run? Should have been a freekick but we still maintained possession.

I don't know why he shouldn't be part of this list, £160k a week isn't that much in 2024. Bruno is still underpaid even after his new contract when Rashford, Havertz, Mount and Martial are in the 300k to 250k range somehow. Partey and Thiago (both who I forgot still exist) make 200k.

Soft from Longstaff but Schär would’ve had two opportunities to stop that if he just fucking ran properly.

Schär wasn’t arsed to defend.

GTFI!!!

It's just fundamentally flawed system in its current form. Ref can be more lenient and IMO they have been but VAR can't say anything if there's even a chance of the slightest of contacts to have happened. Once again a situation where the on-field ref should go to the screen to determine whether Neto went down too easily which he obviously did.

Really can't see how you don't give a pen for that after giving the Jota one in the first half. It's exactly the same and even if VAR thinks it's soft they should be consistent.

Loans are never easy either when we are not a perennial relegation candidate anymore. You need a player who's good enough for us and a team who are willing to loan that player to us.