TRon

Those little dinks over the keeper are actually the mark of someone who knows how to finish. I think Howe sees a player in there, same as Rafa did. Reminds me a lot of when we had James Milner here, and he got slated for always being a nearly man. Murphy's not that different, he's got everything in the locker to be an amazing player, but never quite seems to produce when it matters. But look what happened to Milner oncehe left and the expectation was off him. I think at worst Murphy will be a good squad player, I can see us keeping him on tbh.

Yeah he doesn't really deserve to be lumped with those guys, and I did sort of say that albeit in a not very generous manner, but I think Moyes has a ceiling, but nothing wrong with that. It's higher than most, and he's earned respect in the game. I'm at a happy place with Bruce as well today. While I always like to see frauds lose, when they pick up the odd win it keeps the ride going a bit longer. Brucey destruction of a club is usually a slow burn, WBA fans will be feeling vindicated today, but they actually need him in charge for at least a year so they can be educated on the nuances of media presentation of a big name manager credentials, and the reality.

He might make a costly mistake or two even once he's up to speed, he seems to have immense confidence in his ability to hold the ball under pressure, and he does seem to look for the really ambitious pass through the eye of a needle. It's what makes him a danger for the opposition, but obviously those type of plays are a bit more risky than a Colback sideways pass to someone 3 yards away. This reminds me of the doubts about Diego Carlos and his penchant for sometimes costing goals directly, presumably because of his tough tackling, but the Sevilla view was that he was worth all that money because of the goals he saved for the same reason. It's what a player brings to the table overall that counts.

He is.

In the first half I actually thought Murphy was equally as menacing down the other side, he was getting behind their defence constantly. The difference was the end product. Fraser was causing havoc with his crosses, and got the goal, Murphy's threat fizzles out in the penalty area like a damp squib.

But Conjo is right, he did really well with his hold up and through ball for that first goal. This was a decent performance compared to others where we have had much more of the ball.

Yeah, said the same in the Joelinton thread. He was the only one getting close to the opposition.

He was the only one who was giving them the hurry up, I'll bet his stats were still pretty decent today, even in a game where the opposition ran rings round us.

I know it makes people nervous, but his willingness to take an extra second on the ball under pressure, and release the right pass is what will take us to the next level. He'll get better as he gets more time on the pitch from the start.

100% agree with this. Players who can hold the ball under pressure and find the out ball are what separate football teams from cloggers. We need more of these, not less.

I think if it's on the six yard line he has to claim it tbh. He flapped at two of those today, and that's two too many.

They play great football but have the cutting edge of breadstick.

He's not starting because we are the only team still unbeaten since Christmas. It's nowt to do with his game.

Didn't hoof the ball clear when he had the ball under pressure would be my guess.

We need more dreadful players then.

Agree although I thought Joelinton and Fraser were both decent as well.

Eh?

Made all the difference tbh, when everyone else was giving the ball away too cheaply.

Well that was fairly shit, but it's a fucking priceless three points.

He should have put this game to bed tbh. He's had two great opportunities to play people in on goal.

And his lack of it.

Max should have played Fraser in there, really poor stuff.

This is rotten stuff now, something has to be done. Shelvey is lost in there.

Not blatant enough obviously. Didn't see the shin bend enough.

Some of our lesser quality players are showing it right now. Murphy going to shit, and Shelvey and Willock gone missing.