The College Dropout

Was it Fulham that we won 2-1 and broke the not winning streak? in any case that was the turning point for me. In particular it was the game I noticed Isak drop deep and work his magic. Prior to then we struggled to score at times. That’s not been an issue since Isak came into the side.

‘Would James Milner count as a HG player for the CL’ did cross my mind in the week.

Trippier’s understudy that can’t make the bench. Does he even travel with the squad?

I'm getting more familiar with his game. He's not much of a dribbler 1v1. When playing on the left he can eat up ground but when square with a defender, he looks to cut in and pass it backwards. He's not confident in his ability to beat a man 1v1. Which is why I think he played most of his minutes on the right for Everton. He can keep running in straightish lines on the outside and get a cross in. One thing he doesn't often do. Is try some slick movement when on the turn. He got the ball once on the edge of the area with his back to goal, I would've liked to see him try and jink his way around the defender but he immediately passed the ball back to midfield. He's a bit 1-dimensional to defend against. What a do like about his game is his quick passing and moving. He'll not beat a man 1v1 but he'll pass it, keep going and collect it back in space. He's too quick to be caught when the pass is measured well. The game is a bit open then and then he can cause some damage.

???? Just not give it him. If he wants out because of that or is deeply unhappy then that is another issue. He's contracted to 2026. There's no urgency to sell him due to a contractual dispute unless it turns his head. This is my issue. He's been able to play the Howe way fine enough. He's not Joelinton or Almiron with the closing down but he's put in a solid shift and done enough of a job for the team. Much like Isak, it's not a natural part of his game and he probably can't do it for 90 minutes 3x a week. It's not been an actual problem on the pitch. He's had some poor games offensively this season but defensively he's always done decent job - even if it doesn't come natural to him. ASM plays a direct and intense game offensively. That does suit the system. And he has the athleticism to close players down. He's a better fit than Maddison. Who I love as a player. But Maddison literally doesn't have the legs. I think we need a player that can slow a game down other than Bruno but JM isn't a pressing monster either. He would be another 70 minute man if he joined.

There's a valid concern about if he can cope with the intensity but that's where it stops.

LET'S SELL ONE OF OUR MOST TALENTED PLAYYYYYYERS!

Aye but also I reckon he stays for a year to soak in the CL nights. Might get to play the odd game. I think for squad size - he'll have to leave this summer as we should bring in another CB. But if I was him, if I wasn't pushed to leave, I wouldn't. He's been on such a journey at the club and is a leader of the squad. Although I can see a situation where a Leicester or Everton go down or even stay up narrowly. They could bring him in, immediately make him Captain and have him whip a dressing room into shape and play a part on the pitch.

Aye. Same again in the league would be great. In CM/FM if I overachieve with a team and qualify for CL. The aim is sign a few quality players, get out of the CL group and get another top 4 finish. That second season in the CL - the squad is usually strong enough to try and win it all. Fantasy to reality hey?

I admit. I didn’t think the Joe left side combination would work when ASM got injured. But I’ve been proven very wrong. Well done lad.

I love how we have options from the bench.

I know we don’t care but Everton are shit and Dyche will take them down. Awful football. A forrin would be getting abuse. He’s done a shit job. Keane. Tarkowski. McNeil. Burnley MK2. Back in the bin.

3rd is dizzying. So is 4th but like that’s everyone’s target when a team outside the top 6 does well.

He’s a baller man. We haven’t seen the likes of this from a striker.

How is that not a foul?

He's off man his whole body is ober the line

So many bad tackles not even given as fouls

He's limping badly. Thought he was actig at first.

TBF the team is awful.

Bro we can score 3 or 4. These are shit.

Started the move with a nice bit of play deep tbf i think. Learning from Isak.

WE'VE FYCKED THEM. WIIIIIILSON.

We are typically a much worse team without Isak.

Santon was awful.

Liverpool are strong at Anfield but the teams they face are decent (Spurs atm aside). Away games are against dross. Southamton likely to be already relegated. But Leceister will likely need the points. They can't defend though. They could win all of these and we'l still finish above them. 72+ let's get it.