The College Dropout

Building on this point. We've been talking about Phase 2 of our evolution. Replacing the last of the Ashley signings and first window signings - probably with younger players. Some of that is necessary but you don't want to fall into Spurs-ification with a lack of leadership. This is where i'm glad we have Howe. He's very big on personality profiles. He's signed a bunch of leaders in Trippier, Burn, Bruno and Sandro and we were linked with Guehi - another leader and top professional. I think Maresca has spoken about Tosin's leadership qualities too. As we eventually have to phase the Dan Burn, Fab Schar etc. out having Howe being so big on personality is massive. Also I guess the style of football requires all-action from everyone. Hall had to learn the mentality - he didn't come with it. Again without Howe I think you inevitably get Spurs-ification. A manager with little say in transfers, prioritising technical profiles over mental ones. Chelsea have become Spurs. Talented players but no bite. We need to think about that when we talk about how few targets we seem to have. We had 3 known CB targets - 2 with top mentality from what we know minimum

Squires did tbf. It’s all good joke and satire material.

Nunez has been particularly bad this season

Toni Kroos couldn’t run for the last 8 years of his career either. And put in half the graft. Bruno isn’t as good as Kroos but you can be world class and have deficiencies in your game. I think Tonali’s sometimes carelessness on the ball is a bigger weakness. If Tonali is an A Bruno is a A for me.

I’m the same - some variation of ‘rule that one off’. That feeling of righteous indignation. That ruled off one should’ve stood.

Fab isn't event that old for his position either. I can forgive Trippier for needing to "get up" for a big game but not managing to play at that level consistently. But Fab I expect to play closer to that level regularly.

He mentioned something I think is a big deal for Newcastle. We have a fairly old squad but it's a bit of an advantage. A lot of our squad players are older and proper good pros who want to be part of our success. Dubs has had his ups and downs but this season you can tell he has the bit between his teeth and his attitude has been phenomenal - he took his opportunity this season in a way he didn't last season. Lascelles, Krafth have both hit the ground running when brought into the side and seem like great figures in the dressing room. And then we've got the older regular players like Burn, Schar, Bruno etc. that set the level. There's a great culture for the likes of Hall and Osula to learn from and be a part of.

Said this before the final - on paper Dan Burns atttibutes are of a midtable CB. But his performances speak for themselves and he brings intangible qualities to the setup. He’s been our best CB all season.

Love that Bruno called him over and loved that Lascelles got to lift the trophy as well. His arch is complete. Thanks for everything Jamaal.

I said it earlier- Jordan’s always been a sly Howe hater.

We didn’t actually miss anyone - everyone playing was brilliant to a man and played to their strengths. We just needed more quality off the bench when we tired. All Liverpool’s weaknesses were on display. Without tent there’s not an impactful passer from deep. None of their attackers outside of Salah is a constant threat or real top quality. They looked tired. It’s not a big side etc. we exposed them.

Big extrovert energy but in a lovable. It’s pretty funny when a new signing, a young player and a proper bench player is one of the biggest presences in a squad.

He’s a big character isn’t he? The squad talks about him a lot.

Yep. These are OFF it. At that point I knew Liverpool could not win it. We could only lose it. They weren’t going to do with us with outstanding quality. Even the goal I think Willock gives them possession from a left footed cross when he should’ve just kept the ball and then Bruno loses it in the middle with Scar out of position slightly. It was a good goal but we kinda let them in. And a second would only come from us shitting ourselves. I didn’t think we could beat Liverpool mentally but we did. They didn’t think they could do it. Fate was with us. Thought they missed Trent massively.

Brighton still playing well though. But major thing is that it’s in our hands and the fixtures are favourable. 18 to 21 points should be attainable and the upper end of that will secure CL football. Maybe even 18 will be enough

Title challenger pace for the first 16 games or so. Midtable since.

I feel like getting the CL would unlock money for squad rejuvenation and not selling our stars. For that it’s a no contest with the Europa. A cup win and another CL finish gives our FMV a nice big boost. Much more guaranteed revenue from the competition itself too. We can just add quality.

Thought he was unwell but not injured

He slayed the beast. We caught the biggest bodies on the way. What a triumph.

If we only pick up 3 points against Man U (H) Chelsea (H) Everton (H) Villa (A) Brighton (A) Arsenal (A) We don’t deserve CL. Last season we got 12 points from those games (I think). I would aim for the same. Im targeting 21 points. 7 wins out of 10. Almost certainly gets us 5th. 6 wins might be enough too if we can avoid defeat to rivals and beat a few.

They’ve been shit with him. Theuve only beaten Leicester, Southampton, West Ham, Wolves all at home since the middle of December. lost to Fulham, Ipswich, City, Brighton, Villa and Arsenal. draws to Everton, Palace, Bournemouth. Not beaten a team above 16th since a 2-1 victory over Brentford in the middle of December.

Chelsea haven’t beaten anyone decent in ages. They are there to be caught and surpassed.

Sitting in a Europa league spot with 10 games to go and a game in hand on rivals. Anything less than Europa league would be a flat ending from here.

Think the longer approach is energy sapping. But with this being a big game and Liverpool having a long, tiring and disappointing game midweek it worked. Also Liverpool would defend high and try to keep the ball which we don't often face. It was the right horse for the course. Eddie doesn't always get it right but he's shown a number of times he can come up with a winning game plan against top opposition. He thrives on it imo.

Aye special guy. Also points to how many leaders we have around the place. Bruno, Tripps, Lascelles, BDB, Joelinton, Tonali!