TRon

Miley also seems to have a lot more composure and a better touch, one of the things which makes me think he is capable of reaching the highest level. I don't have much doubt about Elliott's aggression or attacking instincts, I just see his tricks not quite coming off against elite level defenders. I'm not writing him off, I just need to see him winning those one on ones more often. Failing that, some killer passes or goals would do the job as well.

This is it for me as well. Two games ago we had people thinking we could snatch 5th, now we are left hanging on other results to get any sort of European competition. I'd have been happy with conference even before now tbh, but I think missing out on Europe might have a few players getting their heads turned.

I always thought Ramsdale was a decent keeper, but not sure he's a really top class keeper. Arteta obviously didn't think so.

He has the sort of quality which separates the men from the boys in games like this one. Can't really complain about losing when they have Bruno Fernandez and we have a 21 year old Elliott Anderson and Longstaff in our midfield.

Yep. Love them or hate them, they make the Prem a better competition.

I would think the hierarchy will be well aware of all this, but maybe it's just a part of trying to close the gap with the cartel clubs. We are on a massive growth drive, I assume trips like these are all part of it. Players won't love it for whatever reason, but players will come and go.

I've seen him running into defenders a few times, maybe he just lacks a bit in the pace or guile department.

I think he's plenty brave, just doesn't have the elite level of skill or finesse required to beat top level defenders.

From a Newcastle fan it might have cost us a place in Europe, so just a bit yeah.

I don't think so. Just think he's more bothered about his England place than NUFC right now, same as Wilson. Priorities bro.

It's not a great look after the patchy season he's had like.

It's not just the odd bad game though, he's had a very poor season by his standards. Gaffes have been numerous, he's suffered more injuries than we are used to, and his set pieces, especially direct free kicks have been negligible. Still, it's not beyond the realms of possibility it's just been a stinker of a season and he might have a stormer next year. My gut feeling is that he's past his peak years though.

Willock and Joelinton show flashes of real ability on the ball, that's the difference for me.

I thought we fought hard enough, just didn't have enough quality on the ball in some areas of the pitch. They had a bit more and that's what counted in the end.

I did think they looked a lot sharper and more aggressive in the press than us, and that was a surprise. I always thought they had more quality in their squad, just surprised they seemed to want it more.

Said it all season, he just hovers around the general area where the ball is without getting involved. He's just there in the background most of the time, when it does fall his way his control often lets him down.

I think it's frustration more than owt else. His missing so many games will probably cost us Europe this season, especially crunch games at the business end.

His set pieces which used to look deadly also seem to be fading into distant memory. Not really sure why as age shouldn't really make a difference there.

Agree, I wouldn't slag him off. Not sure if you are referring to my comments, I just gave him some credit for getting 6 goals and said what you did about him not being a very good footballer.

There's a pretty large gap between free and £15m tbf, and that's because both are totally unrealistic.

Well he's scored 6 goals tbf, that's not awful. He just isn't a good footballer aside from that.

No one offered £15m in January, why would they do it now? Does anyone do that any more for a 34 year old full back?

At this point I'm not even sure if people are on the wind up.

£20m. Maybe we'll get £20m for Trips as well, that should give us a right big pot of cash to buy the top players next season.

Man U's young guns looked far more dangerous. He tries hard, but like Longstaff and Murphy just can't control the ball well enough under pressure.