TRon

The only clubs who showed interest were the American club from MSL, and supposedly Saudi a year ago, although apparently that interest has cooled now. So when I say mediocre, it's that level. He could probably get a lesser club in Spain or go back to South America also.

I think he wants to be in the CL and if he gets a chance to play in it and get a significant salary hike, he would probably take it. In our favour, we are in there fighting for a top 6 spot currently, and he's on a long contract so he won't exactly be beating down the door to get a move.

Don't think he's earned a spot in the team anyway. He buzzed around a bit in the game he started, then faded. In his sub appearances he's been invisible. I don't think he'll move until he's ready though, he'll run his contract down then take his pick of mediocre clubs to top up his bank balance.

There's your real issue, and why teams like Arsenal and Chelsea might be very interested in signing him. Strikers who score goals every season are very rare, and they don't come cheap.

Just reading an article today about how Longstaff getting a new contract is not a foregone conclusion. He could still get sold for PSR value as it would represent pure profit. This is the issue really, otherwise why would we need to sell him? I'm sure he'd be happy to be a squad player on a fairly modest salary. PSR is really a massive problem for a club outside the cartel that wants to compete.

One thing which has really caught the eye is the quality of his deliveries even if we aren't scoring from a lot of them. Even early on he stood one up perfectly from the left which we didn't convert because we had no one coming in at the back post. He always threatens much more than we actually get in the end result, but feels like it could easily convert to goals given a run of form from himself and other forwards. He needs to rediscover the goals, we've seen he has it in his locker.

Does seem to make a big difference doesn't it?

Pretty happy for where we are tbh, a couple of weeks ago we were bottom half, now we are a point within a CL spot. Plus we look like we are finally looking like a team that is happy with our gameplan. Looked like some of the players were confused prior to that tbh. Plus we've done all that with Wilson out. I know it's a big maybe, but if he can be fit for any significant number of games it could definitely get us the points to make the difference.

Same here. Although we should really beat them anyway, but would prefer they didn't have any new manager bounce. Hopefully their board will have marked this fixture as a probable loss and the perfect time to sack him after another defeat.

I was interested to see Jao Pedro's performance against City yesterday, he came on and had a real impact. He's got the strength, but his finishing looks way less clinical. We could have had Pedro but went for Isak instead. I think it's pretty hard to argue that decision all things considered, and I really like Pedro.

Aye he definitely tried to go toe to toe a couple of times but came off second best.

That's a surprise tbh, maybe down to the poor quality of some of the goals we've conceded. But one quote I read yesterday really struck a chord with me. He said at half time he was unhappy because our build up was too slow, and he wanted us to pass forward quicker. I think this has actually had a big impact on players like Longstaff, who left to his own devices would pass sideways all day. Since he's come back in the team he's looked a lot more positive. Even if he's missing some of the passes, it makes the team function better and probably bumps his confidence.

The good thing is, even if he does get tired of being a sub, we'll be in a good position to get decent wedge for him since we will be reluctant sellers.

No one's choosing Bournemouth over Spurs like.

Just goes to show that the game isn't about individuals, it's about how players combine and work with each other. Willock, Joelinton and Longstaff are no one's idea of a midfield combo, but together they are running teams ragged.

Probably as accurate a description as you could get tbh.

I think a few were a bit pissed off at his lack of hold up play prior to that. It was annoyingly precise though.

I think his value as Schar cover might be more crucial tbh.

Pretty awful news if true coming on the back of some outstanding performances when he's come in. Hope it's not true.

Our balance has looked so much better since he's come back in the side.

Tbf they are a dangerous side on the counter, but it was nice to show we are better.

Feels a bit deflating to see us 8th after today, but we could be top 4 after the next set of fixtures so just going to have to hold our horses for now.

Two massive clearances from dangerous crosses in the second half.

That touch round the corner for Bruno which started off the move near our own penalty area took some balls mind. Didn't know he had that in him.

Thought they were in a bit of a false position tbh, but they are a dangerous side. They defend well and have a lot of threat on the counter. It's not like they've been lucky.