TRon

I can understand the thought process, but really think all our midfielders are capable of working box to box bar Shelvey. He was great yesterday for the first 20 mins then he flagged visibly. But will be interesting to watch how the team develops over the next few weeks. The good thing about both Bruno and Joelinton, is their mobility sort of covers for Shelvey's lack of it, so his weakness is not so apparent.

Would agree, as Joelinton also covers back pretty well, but I am happy enough for Shelvey to start instead of Willock for now, but as the season goes on I would expect Willock to take over. You just can't ignore the extra running power and goal threat Willock brings to the table.

While I agree Willock is a great option off the bench, I think it's easy to underestimate the work he does in pressing the opposition even in the first 45 mins when he's not looking so great on the ball. He's not the liability people think he is, and he stretches the opposition with his runs when we have the ball as well.

The talent is undeniable, the guy is a matchwinner, no question about it. But if he can iron out some of those bad plays, what a player he could be. He's still only 24, the guy could be unstoppable if he takes on board some of what the coaches will be telling him.

Loved that interview. The comment about Howe telling him not to worry about the goals, just keep getting in the right places and the goals would come, reminds me a lot of Keegan when he came in after Allardyce was sacked. We were really struggling in the transition and at one point looked in danger, but Keegan said keep passing and don't worry about results, he as manager would take full responsibility for them.

I remember a couple of months ago being really worried we'd be 8-9 points adrift by the time we got to the transfer window, yet after only one match post the window closing we are out of the bottom three. Obviously a long way to go, and we still look a bit light up front, but got to be happy with the direction we are heading. I bet we are odds against going down with the bookies now.

Think that winner's attitude really rubbed off on the rest of the team too, in the end we just wanted it more than Everton. A lot more.

One of those flags with Monty Magpie on it looked like it was covering the whole stand. It was like everyone in that part of the ground was holding it up. Had the hairs standing up on the back of my neck.

He did. And he has a decent international record as well. Agree with what one of the posters said earlier, we'll be looking for better in the summer, we've outgrown him now, but he was a bit unlucky here, could easily have gone on to have a decent NUFC career.

I know it's a bit daft to say it after 5 mins of football, but does anyone else think he's already probably worth twice what we paid for him?

Yeah I think if he leaves from this point, it will be our decision not his. He seems to love his role here, he's a star on one of the biggest stages. He's always going to be a bit selfish, that's part of what makes him what he is, but when you think he's still quite young, not hard to imagine him getting even better with good direction from the coaches, and better team mates coming in year on year.

Don't agree with you on him holding the ball up well, and as for winning his headers, most of them are into empty space. That's not all his fault, I think Fraser isn't getting close enough to him, and ASM lives in his own little world bless him. The one thing I will say is, Wood still shows signs of knowing where the goal is, and I'm hoping we'll see him scoring goals before too long.

Yeah watched a couple of his videos now, he really knows his football.

Just wondering, was there any reason VAR ignored the clear stamp on Willock's leg by Branthwaite in the second half? I get why the cunt of a ref missed it, but isn't that the point of having VAR?

I don't think some people appreciate just how much stellar work he does since he's been moved to midfield. He covers acres, presses relentlessly, wins a lot of possession from the opposition, and usually finds a good pass. Great ball retention under pressure as well. Yes he's still shit in front of goal, but any midfielder who's doing all that is a massive asset.

Think it was @Optimistic Nut who used to always defend him as he was only 21 and had a lot put on his shoulders. I'm still not 100% on whether he'd translate that success to the Premier which has more requirements, but I'd have him any day of the week right now over Wood, and that's not particularly having a go at Wood, who might play his part in keeping us up. I just think Mitro has probably developed a lot since the last few years.

Can understand now why Simeone described him as an extraordinary player. Fair play for letting him go, that must have hurt.

Super insight into Howe's man management skills, makes me wonder why I still haven't signed up to NUFC TV yet. What I'm loving most is that we are now running for 90 mins non-stop, and this is all down to the manager. He's even getting Willock busting a gut. The Bruno cameo at the end where we started to turn it on is a glimpse of what's to come. Oh, and in the head to head coach battle with Lampard he laid him out cold. Have that you Chelsea mug.

I just don't see this team going down, and the main reason for that is every player is fighting desperately for the shirt.

Weghorst gave Man U real problems last night, and was instrumental in the goal with a great assist, so not sure the Burnley fans will feel too nobbled at the moment, but it's early days.

Got about three hrs sleep last night, I was that high after watching the game. Haven't enjoyed a game that much in a long time, the fight of the players and the crowd ifting off in response was electric.

Definitely. I was not expecting to like him so much, was a bit underwhelmed with the signing, but after seeing him live, this lad is made for us. We might get an upgrade in the summer, but will have to be a bloody good player.

I don't think anyone can dispute it.

Hope Big Steve enjoyed that performance tonight. His blood pressure will have been going through the roof when the 3rd one went in.

If you disregard his abysmal finishing, he's still doing a fantastic job in midfield. Winning the ball and moving it around very well indeed.