Shak

Christ, that was such a team goal to give away.

Even if we do have more financial power next summer, I'd imagine we'll stick with our policy of bringing in three or four players rather than making major changes to the squad. Ideal window would be an absolute top class CB and winger. Todibo and Kvaratskhelia, for instance. After that, a really top class striker prospect. Someone who isn't going to need to start regularly yet but we see as a successor to Wilson that can co-exist in the squad with for a year or two. Would be ideal if said player could also play out wide a bit too. Those three additions and no major outgoings and we'd have a squad that could do some serious damage next season.

I'm less of a Dan Burn fan than most but I think the idea that we'll bring in another first team LB is a bit fanciful. It's Burn's spot for now, with Targett backing him up. As soon as Hall has had time to bed in fully, he'll take over. Think we'll see Hall starting regularly by the end of the season, personally.

My god, can't believe that just happened. One of the great nights. No matter how class we become, this will always rank up there.

God what a half. Absolutely fucking beaming in the pub here.

BMore's phone just assumes he's trying to write 'penis' if it's anywhere near

Not watching but the last few posts seem encouraging.

Joelinton have been the natural choice to play LW for Gordon's suspension against West Ham, too.

Thought Targett looked decent during the week, I think Eddie just sees Burn's primary position as being LB these days and he'll start there unless it's absolutely necessary for him to play CB.

Interesting that we are being linked with top prospects who are out and out CFs. Suggests that Eddie doesn't see Isak leading the line in years to come and is looking for someone that can play off.

That Frimpong must be incredible.

Well it was nice being happy for a while.

Isn't that a penalty?

Bot by name. Bot by nature. Clean up the hoop, please. Enjoying these wankers in the crowd get progressively more fumed up

Fucking nice this

Boo that, you wankers.

Shite from Bruno that, slow to get his head up and unconvincing pass.

I'm always going to be generally in favour of playing Targett or Hall at LB instead of Burn in a game that I expect us to dominate possession. Think having our LB be an absolute non-factor in our attacking play is really impactful, especially when we also lack a bit of creativity in our wingers and midfielders. Would like to see Anderson start, assuming we stick with a 4-3-3. Would love us to try a 4-2-3-1. I don't get the impression Howe has any intention of doing it though, thought we looked quality with it and Isak playing off Wilson second half at Brentford last season and we never went back to it.

Good stuff Really hope the worry over this has been a factor in his poorer form this year and he pushes on and has a cracking season.

Have seen this idea mentioned a few times. Obviously it makes sense with the extra fixtures but if that was the plan then I wish we'd maybe factored it into our summer transfer business a bit more. Looking at our midfielders and wingers, they all look like they're best suited to a high energy, pretty direct style of play. If we're not going to press and win the ball in advanced areas of the pitch, I'm not sure we have the players to unlock teams with a more measured build up. Right now, I think the squad really needs a creative midfielder. Be that an #8 in the current system who has a bit more craft on the ball (playing Bruno there is an option) or else changing the system to more of a 4-2-3-1, I think it's the main thing the squad needs as of right now.

There's probably somewhere between Dan Burn and Roberto Carlos in terms of attacking output from the position His attacking shortcomings going forward are highlighted more by us not having Willock at LCM, he was excellent at getting out on the left flank and providing some of what we lose by not having a good attacking LB.

He's definitely a very large part of the reason why we look so pedestrian going forward. I can't fault him for effort at all and he actually gets into good positions sometimes but he just doesn't have anything to offer as an attacker. Given that we really try to attack down the wings a lot, it's a real issue. I think the biggest issue for us compared to last season though is that we don't look rock solid at the back anymore so if keeping him in there helps us stop shipping goals then fair enough. He was quality defensively today.

Looked to be playing with a bit of swagger late in the game, which was good to see. Still doesn't have the ball on a string like he does at his best though, that late chance to put Almiron through where he overhit it to the keeper is something you expect him to make look easy.