TRon

Get in. I know it's bad for us, but I just can't help love a Bielsa team, especially against West Ham.

If Howe's going to insist on playing Shelvey as one of his two pressing midfielders, then he needs to stick a 3ltr engine in his arse, maybe that will get his legs working.

Some of that £500m was squandered on Lucas Digne, who I have a feeling will make Rafa look a bit of a tit if he does what he's capable of at Villa.

Oh yeah, I guess that's why we are trying to buy multiple centre backs. But for me, Trippier's clear gulf in class just shows how bad our squad really is. Even Maxi with his wonder goal was actually fucking shit for most of that 90 mins.

Pure Ashley move. I wonder if Moshiri has checked out?

Yeah. He's still a good manager, but not at the top level any more.

Yep.

I know he's getting pelters at the moment, but Lascelles showed leadership in that goal we conceded. He cleaned out the man he was marking, then got beaten to the jump trying to stop the second one. Where was everyone else? Why was he trying to stop two players by himself in the penalty area? Wtf was Schar doing?

I suggested something similar in the pre-match thread, but going 3-5-2 or 5-3-2, depending on possession, that was based purely on players we have available. Willock ahead of Almiron for me, based purely on goal threat.

I'd not touch Rafa now like, despite being a staunch supporter when he was here. He's making a pig's ear of the Everton job. You could argue he needs more time, but then you could make the same argument for Howe. Rafa's methods are outdated in the modern era, for teams who aspire to greatness at least.

Yes. I still don't understand what Howe is trying to do, or what his game plan is. With Rafa it was pretty clear whether you liked it or not.

The game will get called off then.

I watched a video of his highlights and didn't see that much tbh. He doesn't look particularly athletic, although I do like his forward passing. Not sure he's what we need at all so not too disappointed he's told us to fuck off. Right back atcha Donny.

They'd have more energy than our midfield, that's for sure.

Also, "he would never come" is a valid argument. Lingard and Martial would be great options but I'll bet they won't end up here.

In the Championship. Gayle was also a titan in that league, as was Adam Armstrong.

So who then?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking. I still think Wood might score goals which count despite me never wanting him here in normal circumstances. I would like to hear of alternative options though.

Who would you have signed?

Too late. Rafa will be sacked before he has any chance to take him off our hands, should have took that offer when it was made. Now the useless twat will end up with a new contract.

Where have you been hiding? It was the toxic crowd who got rid of Bruce right? Did you read Ron Liddle's column today?

He's already home, just at the wrong club. Liverpool moved far beyond him years ago. I admire him for sticking to his principles, but they are best suited to cup runs these days.

He doesn't want to come here. How hard is that to comprehend?

Well if you watch that goal conceded, he did actually try to command it, he was telling someone to get in position in the build up, then he got left trying to stop two attackers directly in the box.

Not that much I think. He's been smart enough to hire great coaches, and he's openly said he wasn't happy with his players first half today and read them the riot act. It's got nothing to do with his name, he's implementing high standards. I'm starting to wonder if Howe is too used to playing in lower leagues and he doesn't understand what top level football is about.