The College Dropout

Aye finishing 4th this season would mean finishing in a EL spot next season isn't a massive problem. We can already use that CL finish to (a) attract a higher calibre of player and (b) get much better commercial deals and revenues for the season (c) dent a rival in A & B

It's going to be like the summer. If there's low-hanging fruit like Pope, we'll snap them up - easy business. If there's a point where a highly sought after target is available at a price we are willing to pay we will do that too (Botman). Otherwise... we'll try and play it tight. Come Jan 21st - we are in the EFL Cup Semi's and still in the top 4. We'll get at least 1 big signing for a top 4 push imo. An Isak type signing. We'll get a youngster to deputise Trippier. We'll get at least 1 top class midfielder as well - probably late in the window. If we're very serious about top 4.. we'll get another midfielder of a different profile and a LB. I doubt we'll get all 4, expect to get at least 2. Flogging some dead wood would help as well. The longer the likes of Lewis don't play professional football the less likely someone will want to take them from us. Need to start releasing dead wood in the summer imo. Getting new sponsors is needed too - obviously.

A lot of people don't fancy him because he's not athletic. I don't fancy a midfielder with a history of being turned and burned. It's not something that can be improved by coaching to a significant degree. From the 2, I would much prefer Maddison. But Tielemans would improve us too.

But we have 35 points from 18. We need to get 35 points from the next 20 to have a good chance of top 4. We are in a good (but not great) position for top 4. Any kind of drop-off will mean we won't get it. Arsenal are in a great position for top 4. They could have a fairly poor second half of the season... 30 points in 20 games which is Europa League form and still finish in the top 4.

He's very composed and assured tbf. I'd like to have him with an aerially dominant partner and a left back with more ability.

No doubt Howe tactically adjusted. At times we tripled up on him. He did that because our left back was not having a great game and needed support. Burn was a weak link and had A LOT of support. The Joe’s ran themselves into the ground supporting him. A defensive fullback needing heavy support against his attacker has not had a ‘great’ game. I think Saka is a top player. Even 2 against 1 he was retaining possession, winning freekicks and corners and had some success in attack.

Points total means more.

Martinelli didn't attempt to beat him on the outside once from memory, He kept running into crowded men like that was going to help them. Saka's a much more intelligent footballer. Cutting in, going the long way, slowing down then speeding up etc.

We've played what 19 games? Our GD is +21 or something. Anti-football allegations aren't sticking.

Aye - speculative. That's not a good thing.

The point of signing a prospect is that they are cheaper. I like the idea of getting a young RB for example on the cheap.

For someone who is "good on the ball" Schar gives away the ball A LOT. Not just yesterday. I prefer the Botman approach with the more consistent diags.

A fit Isak covers the Wood problem. ASM could possibly cover the Murphy problem too. I'd probably like us to get at least 1 midfielder that can play... mabe two (a Maddison type and a deeper type). And some young talent for fullback.

Those breaking runs in the second half were highlights for sure. From those that regularly get minutes, he's far from the weak link many thought he would be.

I thought he was poor. His pressing was barely effective. Like 0.2 seconds too slow to force the player into a mistake or a subpar pass. Gave away the ball lots. Would love a quality player to come in and take his place honestly. He's short of quality. A goo player to have the bench ideally.

Why aren't they interested in signing an out and out striker?

If we're serious about top 4, we need 2 quality additions imo. Our lack of quality will tell otherwise. Burn Longstaff Murphy Wood Really stood out as weak links yesterday. I don't think any of the top 6 are Man Utd-Ragnick era of useless. We could do nothing wrong and easily finish 7th. The standard is that high this year. Edit: Actually Chelsea might be that bad. Awful side. Spurs are terrible too but will get 60-odd points minimum.

Lampard? No he hasn't. Pardew has 1 promotion to the PL with West Ham. You must be referring to Parker? Haven't followed his career closely but he does have 2 promotions. I'm sure Brucey has more. I've not followed his sides or his style to the same degree as Lampard. But I would be surprised if either Parker or Lampard managed as many PL games as either Bruce or Pardew in their careers. I think the managerial bar has been raised. Pardew managed to get 2 fairly unfancied sides into Europe. 2 FA Cup fials with unfancied sides. I don't back the young lads to do much better in their careers.

Lampard is a bit like Pardew. On occassion he can gee up the lads and ride the wave of good team spirit and a bit of magic. But actual coaching? A proper defensive or offensive plan? Myth.

Our fullbacks have a lot of support from their wide players. One of the fullbacks doesn't attack much either. One of our best attacking outlets doesn't get many minutes because he doesn't protect the fullback enough. 3 of our defenders are decent - great at winning headers. The central defence is protected by hard working midfielders and we keep a compact shape. At least 2 of the back 5 are CL level at defending. And 1 is CL level going forward at defending.

From what i've read in the The Athletic - that would've been true in July. By all trusty accounts - everything changed 21/8 when PIF saw the City game & Wilson got injured. Prior to that we were looking at signing that lad from Watford for half the price.

Great at defending. Loved some of his passing too. Helped maintain some composure and control in possession.

If he was great he would’ve handled Saka 1v1. It was 3v1 and Saka still landed some success

He’s so bad. When he gave the ball away with his first few touches, you knew a disaster class was pending.