Theregulars

Can one not simultaneously think the team is playing better but one player still poorly?

Long past time to take Anderson off now. 

At least Almiron is trying to force the issue. Most of his team mates could use the same endeavour.

We’re not going to do anything with this personnel without speed and quick passing. This weird ponderous 3 at the back and running sideways is boring.

Longstaff has also been really, really poor after midweek fawning.

I reckon Anderson is only there to spare the embarrassment of a pre-HT substitutIon. He’s been an active impediment

Tonali again doesn’t look on the same wavelength as the team 

1 minute ago, Laviofies said:

Would be a disaster for Bruno to get a red card after a contract extension

Is disaster new slang for coincidence?

Anderson passes the ball backwards a lot

1 minute ago, LFEE said:

Yeah was wondering that. Thought he’d get some minutes off the bench for this one.

Is there a simultaneous youth game maybe? Either that or his performance in the LC suggested he's not there yet (I'd agree).

Surprised Murphy isn't starting from a rotation perspective. I reckon Tonali will have a good game today.

He's been pretty consistent at saying he's got his group and will stick by them. I understand what he's doing, I think it just feels so weird because we watch the premier league so see players in and out of form. I do think there is something in the argument that some players perform better for country over club (set up, less pressure etc) and seem to be able to switch it back on (I don't think Maguire is too bad for England, I've not watched Phillips play enough for England to know).

The downsides for me are the argument vs incentive - surely players need to see that consistent good form will at least get them a competitive 10-20 mins from the bench? - and the fact that players aren't playing enough football to be in any sort of rhythm / form, or aren't playing any competitive football. The professional game is now one of such fine margins that any lapse in concentration or rust can cost you a tournament. 

I like Southgate and back him to continue, and it might just be a case of "you can't have both", but I think there's room for a mix of loyalty and rewarding performance. I'd set up an international squad as, e.g. "here are my 16 established, I keep the other 7 open for form" and you have whatever mechanism for switching between the two as time / circumstance require. Sometimes I wonder whether he just feels desperately sorry for Maguire and wants to help him out, which I can get behind.

Tekkaboo, son.

CONTENT

I think they just think most people are idiots, it's not confined to football supporters.

I think Van Gaal has it right about them: the focus of the people who run the show is much more about the global business than the football. 
 

Still, never a safe bet to write off Manchester United. With that said, I really enjoyed that. The way the happiness gets sucked out is chef’s kiss.

9 hours ago, WinstonFC said:

Everything about Tonali just doesnt feel right. Didnt wana leave Milan, struggling with performances, not fully fit, missing training sessions. Pray to god he eventually settles but just doesnt feel right. Can't blame the club for taking a chance signing him, hes obviously got immense talent. Longstaff is obviously alot more vital to the midfield than i ever thought. 

The manager has literally said tonali is training less because he’s not used to the intensity so they’re giving him more recovery time. You’ll know if it’s a good signing or not by the end of the season. 

1 minute ago, Conjo said:

Hypothetical scenario as it is, and I don't want to sell either of them, but it's incredible to think that if we sold them to Real Madrid in January, the owners would nearly get back what they paid for the entire club 2 years ago  

And thus the plans are explained.

6 hours ago, Superior Acuña said:

PS bagsy not in nets

Ian’s brother is a keeper, and a bloody fine one at that!! 

14 minutes ago, PauloGeordio said:

 

Sandro, miserable git 

Concern is more interruption of planning, which Howe has said they’ve had less time for. No Botman against PSG presents a serious challenge. Good thing we’ve a better manager than them.

Just now, samptime29 said:

Beer and causal, dive bar vibe.

In rittenhouse: Oscar’s and Good Dog. Go to south street as well and enjoy the Wooly Mammoth (I think that’s what it’s called). Try also Frankford Hall and evil genius brewery (not central but well worth). For food make sure you go to reading terminal market! If you’re at the eagles live enjoy yourself, it’s one of the best atmospheres in sports when they play well. If you have time I’d try and have a walk around university city and grad hospital area, they’re beautiful.  Drop me a DM if you need any more suggestions or help!

Was going over 

Gordon is so much like Robben at stealing penalties. It’s really snide and yeh I will look the other way

The increased injuries and sloppier play as games come thick and fast - that’s a team getting used to elite level.