Shak

We desperately need another RW, thought that was obvious when we were coming to the end of the transfer window and not buying one was a massive mistake. I'm not the biggest Almiron fan but he gets too much blame when things are going badly.

Brilliant from Dubravka just there tbf, feared the worst when that ball came rolling slowly towards him.

Jesus, Dubravka is absolutely hopeless.

Aye, getting those three a few minutes today (and potentially giving the likes of Isak a breather too) would be huge. Hopefully they're all able to give us something off the bench the next two games, then maybe start against Fulham next Saturday.

Aye, one new right winger would be good. I do think adding another top CF would do wonders for us too. Remember how off their fucking tits Isak and Wilson were playing together late in games last season? And it just hasn't been an option this year. I really think there'd be more than enough minutes available for both Isak and (for example) Osimhen if we brought in another CF, and it wouldn't mean just shunting Isak out wide.

I would have liked to have seen us tweak the system to some degree to incorporate a player like Maddison but I just don't think it's in Howe's plans. My hope is that we can offset the lack of craft in the CM spots by adding wide players who are a bit better than what we've had in terms of their link up play and ability to find a final ball.

If we could sign Phillips until the end of the season to cover Tonali's spot, and add a top quality RW on top of that I'd be thrilled with that. Then spend the entire budget on summer on two more top class additions at CF and CB. Move on Murphy or Almiron to help with FFP. No major departures and then go into next season with something like the following as your first team group. Pope Dubravka Karius Trippier Livramento Targett Hall Botman New CB Schar Lascelles Bruno Miley Longstaff Tonali Joelinton Willock Anderson Gordon Barnes Almiron/Murphy New RW Isak New CF Wilson Think that group would be far better equipped than this season's to compete on multiple fronts. Lots of versatility in that group. Summer 2025 you go find a GK upgrade and try to bolster the midfield. I like the idea of not having any major overhauls, just add a couple of top players each summer. We'll also hopefully have established a good group of young players by then too who'll be providing extra competition in some of the above spots.

With our lack of squad depth we're just gonna have more games like this than most teams in and around us. It's not just the fatigue, it's the fact that some days individual players just aren't on it. Was pretty obvious that Isak wasn't on his game tonight for one reason or another but we just had to persist with him. Same for Joelinton and Gordon, to name but two. Maybe we go on and lose anyway, but if we'd been able to bring on Wilson, Willock and Barnes for those three you'd imagine the last half hour have had a decent chance of working out better for us.

It's harsh to say he "should" save the first goal. However, I think Pope would have saved it.

He's turned into a pretty good finisher too IMO. I often get frustrated with him for taking on a shot when there's a better option available but that break today just after they scored the first shows why it's probably for the best that he keeps doing it. Was an easy pass to Isak and it was so, so bad what he served up. Can't imagine it's much fun to play with for our other attackers, he creates almost nothing for his teammates. 6 assists in 160 Premier League appearances now. Only 3 since Howe took over too so it's not like he can blame previous managers not using him well.

Miley is fucking incredible, some deft little touches that he makes look so fucking easy.

You reckon Ten Haag will be in charge going into next season? Not a loaded question or attempted jab or anything, genuinely curious.

Original tweet is gone. Klopp?

Can only imagine how that feels.

He'd be ideal for me. From what I've read it seems he's an absolutely wonderful fit in terms of his personality, too.

A left footed Isak who can play RW if needed would be ideal Honestly, my thought is that Wilson should be deployed almost exclusively as a super sub. He'll be 32 years old going into next season, his injury issues aren't going to get better and there's no real game situation I can think of where he wouldn't be handy for the last 30 minutes. If he's not happy with that and wants regular first team football then best of luck to him but surely a few years of being part of a squad chasing trophies is a preferable finish to his career than going back to playing for a midtable Premier League team like he has for most of his career?

I don't know if it's a January thing or summer but I'm increasingly interested in us targeting a top class CF. Both to rotate with Isak sometimes and also play with him others.

Miley looks like the cover for Bruno IMO. Looks far more comfortable on the ball in tight spaces than Longstaff ever has. Added bonus if being able to play the more advanced roles but DM I'm our system looks like it might be his ideal role to me. Ideal signing would be a player who can play either on the wing or as the most advanced of the CMs.

They've blown their load early on the new manager bounce.

Honestly

Was doing some stuff around the house first half. Pretty sure it's all down to whether I'm watching or not. I've turned over to the NFL now anyway so should pick up

Feels like any time I watch Man City it's exactly like this. So fucking dull

Aye, Grealish has 100% got that yellow on purpose