TRon

If I'd looked at some of the names on that bench 3 months ago I wouldn't know who any of them were.

Don't know about Maddison, but Szobslai and Mac Allistair might have chosen Liverpool over us. We don't actually know that we weren't in for them.

I keep thinking I'll just watch the first half then go to bed, but then I can't sleep anyway because I'm wondering what will happen in the second half.

It might be disappointing to fans, but the reality is, there wasn't any normal clubs wanting to pay more than £25m for Maxi, and even less who could pay the wages he would be looking for, even if there was no Saudi deals on the table. He's looking for CL wages and the Champions League clubs wouldn't consider him good enough.

It does make me wonder sometimes if PIF really do just see us as an investment on which we expect to see returns, and our view of success is more long term once we've got the money side sorted out. I don't doubt Saudi ambition, they aren't the type to accept not competing for titles, but maybe they do expect us to earn it the hard way.

See I don't understand that, I could see why people might have been having a go at Tonali as he's not been that involved, although I thought he was good second half against Chelsea, for me though Joelinton has been fine, getting stuck in and involved in everything, tidy with the ball for the most part, the only real negative has been a couple of really bad challenges which he does produce one in every game. That's just part of the package you get with such a competitive and physical player.

It would serve the stupid bastards right, they've benefited more than anybody so far getting shot of their older players for stupid money.

The two games we've played so far in the US.

Not surprised tbh. I know you aren't supposed to hold much store by youtube videos, but it's impossible to look that good without some serious talent.

With all the talk of Miley and Tonali it's easy to overlook how good Joelinton has been in the pre-season games. He's looked boss in the middle when he's been out there.

He's just playing the game according to instruction. Feels like he is capable of stepping up a few gears if required. His casual confidence and abillity to switch up a gear or three is somewhat sexual.

Miley has no right to look this good.

Joelinton's been quietly class agian.

Class by Isak that.

Tonali already much more involved in this half.

Why? Dubs did nothing wrong.

If you play a high press there always a chance there'll be gaps to be found. That's why pace at the back is crucial to cover ground quickly when those gaps are found.

Cucurella should have cut it out though.

Feels like pace is a big factor in this game. Mudryk and Jackson have caused us all sorts of problems at the back, and Gordon and Miggy have done likewise at the other end.

Lovely goal. Fantastic work by Gordon, and a trademark finish from Miggy.

Don't feel like we've rea;;u earned one tbh. Will be happy to go in just the one down.

Well, albeit it's a friendly, but we are really struggling to contain Chelsea when they get a run on us in this one. Some of our players definitely less equipped for foot races than others.

He's looked lively.