The College Dropout

Gutted for our boys. And that includes Dan Burn.

A little surprised to hear people agree with him.

Tiote RIP is at #1 right? Big Joe in at #2? You get 3 game suspension in the league for 15. Think Tiote managed it one year. Joelinton got close.

Tidier on the ball than Joe & Longstaff too which is crucial at this level. Although stats suggest otherwise.

Must be said that he backpocketed Dembele and co.

Aye. I wonder where Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe would be if they swapped clubs at 19. Or moreso how they are perceived. Mbappe's raw numbers are markedly better iirc. One is seen to be playing at his potential and the other isn't.

Didn't Gordon handball one - pass it for an assist then goal? That was wrapped up quickly. I think Lascelles arms being wider made it more of an issue though granted. The "natural position" of the arm was pretty wide.

It's hard to tell as well. I thought Henry was better technically than Drogba. But Drogba was the better older player.

Is that mean to be Gordon? Barnes or Joe LW. Almiron or Murphy RW. Gordon was knackered but had more legs than Isak. You want your striker to have 3-4 shots per game on average. I don't think Isak averages more than 2. As someone said, he doesn't seem to get on the ball in meaningful areas much.

Not sure. It looked like they were looking at a handball from Lascelles. But it wasn't deliberate; arms in a natural(ish) position, didn't lead directly to the goal. Bruno was comfortably onside. Thought the PSG goal was offside based on the replay myself.

Re: Mbappe - he'll be looking to get it back in blood in Paris for sure. We'll be ready for him though.

Don't think his potential is being wasted. We saw his performance at the WC he can turn it on. Quietly - the last 4 years are as long as Ronaldinho's peak. He just doesn't have a CL to show for it and nobody rates Ligue 1.

Have to say Mbappe was awful. I honestly hate to be that guy. But his body language was so bad. Add to that no work rate. It's an ugly sight.

Aye excellent man management and soft skills. It's not "cool" to have that as one of a manager's main attributes but it makes a world of difference. The atmosphere in the dressing room sounds superb. A team that is up for it vs. a team that isn't - will always win. The commitment Howe gets from the team is A1.

Top post. He's evolving us tactically and doing what has made him great so far.

Doesn't look like it

I think we needed to keep him due to a lack of numbers again. Like Lascelles injuries have fallen in his favour. But he's taken the opportunity with both hands. Last season he was never really trusted. Howe would like Joelinton and co. puff out their arse before bringing Anderson on. This season, he's a contender to start matches. Last season he was backup, this season he's a proper first team option. He did what he needed to do when he came on. Will be unlucky not to start West Ham.

Added composure on the ball to the team. We do need better ball retention and he will get us that.

Aye. If I can't play - you can't play. Let's just fight then. In a good way.

They saying he has great work ethic and has real hunger. That's a Howe player.

Same for us. He was consistent. Good handball call too from VAR.

Think most of us thought he was 2nd choice RCB at best. Now he’s simply 3rd choice CB. That’s massive for his future if he makes it stick. It’s taken chips to fall in his favour but he’s worked hard to take his opportunity.

Was quietly excellent

It was Bruno then. For some reason thought it was Miggy with the cross. The shot was with his right foot, should’ve known better tbf.

I was giving Longstaff credit for this before it was cool! He plays with Bruno in mind the way nobody else does. He mentioned in the doc his job was to let Bruno play or something along those lines and it’s true.