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Lascelles injury, Miley supposedly tactical.

He would've made a big difference yesterday.

I thought he was ok today form wise but he just doesn't have the legs he used to. Late stage Shearer without a team specifically designed for him, basically.

Looked like it was by current laws to me...

I'm withholding judgement in case it's a choice based on fitness, but otherwise I'd agree with you.

Nah, everyone knows the FA Cup is more important and respected.

Precisely. Was like an inversion of the PSG match.

Low key diabolical tonight. I was stunned at the number of calls in Chelsea's favour.

Would be fascinated to know what he makes of all this. I suppose I hope Howe does have a problem of some kind with him, because I'd be more concerned if he did rate him and still used him this little. There were a few times Livramento nearly had the edge on Thiago and clear run on goal. Maybe having Hall further up the pitch could've sealed the deal.

So we anticipate an offer will come in and fear he'll accept it. That's ok. They'd be silly not to approach him, and we'd be silly not to fear he'd accept their offer. I don't think we need to worry too much about it in the mean time. There doesn't seem to be an indication that he's raring to leave, but as a professional negotiator it'd be reasonable for him find out the score and then seek wage parity. As someone said above, the main thing is we have a board that is actively and intelligently pursuing the best for the club. For the first time since Keegan's first run at a minimum. Whatever happens we'll make things work.

I've changed on this over the years. 20 years ago I was solidly stay at SJP. But... Maybe I'm being influenced by the changed makeup of the crowd and atmosphere. It seems like there are a lot of integral problems now that can only realistically be fixed by a blank slate. I'm not an expert but it seems like new stadium design has come on a long way having learnt from earlier mistakes, too. It potentially will allow ten or twenty thousand extra people (beyond SJP redevelopment) see games, and could be an engine for the wider local economy if done right. Whether I'm being economically unrealistic or not in asking this from PIF, I'd want it made to extremely high standards though i.e. not just a metal and plastic spaceship designed for the latest passing trend.

To me the big thing was how little relationship the movement of the ball had with his challenge. It was almost two separate events.

Sure, I'm just not sure if it's what Eddie would want from him in terms of establishing himself as a trusted part of the squad. Like, Livramento has been very fluid going forwards at times but I'm sure what's made him already a nailed on part of the first team is his defensive dominance and the way the team structure seems unchanged when he's playing. Realise that by definition I'm scrutinising Hall more closely than I would another player, just trying to work out how it's being interpreted by the management.

From what I saw, I couldn't tell if he was tactically fluid or tactically indisciplined. He was drifting around in a threatening but not necessarily methodical manner.

Gets better in every match.

He's very loveable, and very handy as a player, but it's clear a lot of people will only see what he is - and we are - missing when his top class replacement is finally on the pitch. There are so many opportunities that come to nothing long before it's obvious we had a big chance because he's so far away from being able to do whatever is required e.g. a quick sprint and right footed cutback from the byline. Often these chances disappear because his teammates - accurately - guess there is no point in passing to him in the particular position he's currently occupying, so it isn't obvious when they don't materialise. It's a bit like Pope and Dubravka or Gordon and Saint Maximin. It just makes you go 'oh'.

In a couple of years, I'd agree with you but guessing our academy hasn't got decent enough players available in every position yet. I might be being premature but I've basically given up on Ashby meanwhile... For whatever reason it doesn't look like it's going to happen for him. You're right about Krafth's personal preferences though, it takes two to tango on that one. No complaints at all if he wants to move on.

You're not dead wrong by any means, but we can only replace so many players at once. It's questionable if another young right back will want to join us given Livramento is clearly the prodigal son here now in that position. If Krafth is happy being the spare to the heir, it might work for everyone for another season or two - one less thing to worry about while sorting out replacements for Almiron, Wilson and a goalkeeping recruit. In a low key way he's pretty clearly another positive, mature influence in the dressing room too.

To be honest, even if he doesn't get another deal with us, I'll be delighted for him if he does well in his cameos this season and proves he's still fit and good enough to get a solid contract at another club. On today's evidence he'd be a great signing for many lower half Premier League clubs.

After Joelinton against Milan, there's a definite sense the players are wanting to overtly show they're on Eddie's side and will fight for him. Great to see. Just saw one replay of Lascelles' but it looked like nothing to me. No idea how Jimenez managed to make it look like he was selling a clothesline from hell.

Well, it was thoughtful of Schar to resolve the question over whether Lascelles should be straight dropped for Botman on his return.

In the circumstances, without question.

He fully deserves our affection, and has improved a lot over the past two years, but just having a right foot more useful than a wooden stump would make him a gigantically more useful player.

To be honest I didn't think his crosses were great overall, but at least they were coming in and asking questions. Volume alone meant something good was likely to happen.

Probably. But it's a difficult one as Trippier is more than just a world class right back, he's the brain of our entire right flank. It's too much to ask of almost any other player out there, and so when he isn't there, players like Almiron lose 50% and it makes everything look worse.