TRon

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 Rafa's methods are outdated in the modern era, for teams who aspire to greatness at least.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.

Just watching that goal again on the highlights, Lascelles actually is marking a different player, checks him and then tries to go up against the lad who scores, but because he's running backwards can't get up as effectively. Trippier is the one who's stood watching, but even he's out of position, Schar is the one who's been caught in no man's land after Almiron and Dummett are left for dead by a one-two. It's actually a great move by Watford, think it's a bit harsh to blame Lascelles in hindsight, he seems to have got left two on one.

One other thing which rankles with me slightly is Howe's reluctance to express disappointment with a performance. You don't have to name names, just watching Tuchel's interview, and he was saying that his forwards needed to step up, that there was nowhere to hide in a fight for the title. Conte has done similar when demanding more from his players, both have complained about the lack of quality in some areas. I get that you want to protect your players, but at some point you need to ask for more.

Agreed, but those points for the draws might be the difference between staying up and going down at the end of the season.

Disgree with this tbh, I think our attacking players all have fundamental flaws, they have had them since the first day they walked through the door. From Miggy and Joelinton with their inability to strike a ball, ASM with his rotten decision making and so on. We have one blue chip forward in Wilson and he stands out a mile. It's precisely the reason Rafa and Bruce went with a defence first policy. It's been refreshing to see Howe try and get us playing some football, but first and foremost you have to play to your strengths. If you want Shelvey in midfield you automatically have to sit back so that spaces aren't exploited all around him when he's stood static for 80% of the time. I don't get it, Keegan wasn't considered a tactical mastermind, but even he switch formations and dropped Owen into an AM role to get us playing effectively in his second stint at Newcastle.

Maybe you should give that a try, might make your views a bit more palatable rather than the one liner "He's taking us down" patter.

Also, what's the point of doing bleep tests if you are still going to rely on wheezing carthorses like Shelvey?