The College Dropout

He's going to get a red doing that eventually. Lovely ball by Willock. Don't think it's a pen. BIG JOE. 2-0. NIGHT NIGHT.

It's not even the 70th minute man.

But i'd move one of the Joe's to his position and get ASM on.

His ability to get in the box and into GS positions is positive though.

Now there's a newer, shinier toy, and we have money, some are keen to bin off the quality we have.

Would love him to come in, in gear, with 30 minutes to go.

Wilson seems half a yard off his usual pace.

Aye and that will impact how he's thought of by genuine football fans. How could it not? So if he gets in some bother in Mykonos, the ground work for the "bad character" has already been laid.

Good deal for Atleti.

Hazard never rushed to run back. I believe it cost Chelsea a UCL semi-final once. Obviously, he was a superior player but he was never consistently branded as lazy in the press. He also had entire seasons completely off the boil - save for moments. And by all accounts not the best professional, turning up overweight more than once. He never got a terrible reputation until he went completely off the ball and even then people blame injuries. I have no doubt, if he was a black or North African Frenchman - his reputation in the media and the game would've been worse. Even if he was just French - he would have fallen victim to the French luxury and lazy player stereotype. IMO the media is clearly racist. Lazy stereotypes, make for easy clicks. And the media influences fans. One example is Sterling - for a good few years he got OTT stick for everyday footballer things until he pointed at the obvious double-standard. By all metrics, Sterling is a decent lad and a solid professional but previously the media would try to make you think otherwise. It's also reflective in management. I don't think black players who end up in as much trouble as the likes of Bowyer, Woodgate or Barton would have gotten the opportunities they have. In general, it's easier for white English players to have good reputations or forgiveness arcs.

Martinez is a better manager than he's given credit for. In particular WC2018 he did well. Only lost narrowly to the best team in the tournament.

I think I prefer Joe W to Joelinton at LCM. Lose physicality off the ball and aerial abiity but more consistent on the ball.

People have learnt his limitations. And it’s been amplified. I made a comment about his athleticism years ago and most disagreed. Now that’s almost the first thing people talk about regarding him. I don’t think much has changed in his game since then just people’s perception.

Where did he say this? I just don't see it happening in the short-term. A lot of defensive work and running required. If that's the plan, I can see Howe giving him 15/20/30 minutes from wide before starting him there.

Don't think there's any chance Isak plays on the wing from the start atm. The defensive side of the game wll be entirely new to him.

Exactly. So i'm not mad at it - it was a sensible decision.

Had we been out of the LC I would be angry at the team selection. Sitting 3rd with a high intensity style, no depth and LC QF to come - i'm not mad at team or result. More concerned about making quality signings and keeping players fit. 2 new starters in of quality and we'll be a lasting problem for the top 4.

He’s having a poor season. He’s a ‘stay at home’ left back - offers little in attack. Which is fine if Vini Jr. or Rodrygo are ahead of you. Would be fine with ASM ahead. Not so much Big Joe

They both managed good seasons the first time they qualified for the Europa It’s funny. People hated this Pardew logic when we would definitely not strengthen adequately. But now we will actually strengthen adequately people are peddling Pardew logic unprovoked.

Tbf he’s got no confidence. Those penalties aren’t helping. I think he’s got a bit of the Jacob Murphy ‘deer in the headlights’ about him. Big fee. Biggest club he’s paid for. I think he feels the pressure of the shirt. And he knows he’s been poor and that Howe only plays him because there’s no alternatives. He’s seen Howe try ASM up too before him on occasion too. He must know he’s not a Howe type player and we must not play to his strengths. He has 159 club goals. 50 odd PL goals in 150 odd appearances prior to this at Burnley. That’s properly decent. I don’t have any bad will towards him. I just pray the other 2 lads can stay fit so he doesn’t have to play. I also don’t want him to lose his reputation in the game. He’s one that might have some value in the summer. Even if it’s 3-5m it’s something. Every disasterclass is eeking that away.

Agreed. Reallly need ASM to step up and stay injury free. Also need Howe to trust him more. Murphy is not it. Would love Maddison and another CM too.

Sign a new wide forward. Loan him out. Might get a fee in the summer. If not, loan again or consider paying his contract up.

We don’t have the squad to compete in both cups and the league imo. Not just the quality but most of those barely play any minutes in the league. Lascelles has played something like 20 minutes in 2 months. He’s not going to come in and play to his best level straight away. And the back up players that do get regular minutes (Wood, Murphy) are not good enough. What was the point in giving Dummett an extension?

Oh we got dominated against Arsenal for sure. Overran on some occasions. Backs to the wall for a lot of time. Only really got any respite when the game got spikey. Had we lost it we couldn’t complain at all.

I reckon 1 ready made first team member + a prospect at a minimum. I would love 2 ready made first team players + a prospect. Ashby/Fresneda/teenage fullback to compete with Trippier Maddison / creative midfielder / attacker Tielemans / Number 6 type midfielder If we do that type of business I would get very excited. I'd be content with 2 of them. At the moment. I think we lack the quality to sustain this level even with Isak coming back. Joelinton, Willock, Longstaff, Murphy, Wood... can Almiron keep it up offensively? From an attacking perspective we lean too much on these lot, too many minutes. The midfield situation is serious. The legs in midfield have to get through a lot.