STM

Lyon are proper shit.

I've never trusted a team as much in my life. Even if we slip up against Villa, we will smash Ipswich.

Against MU he looked sluggish but yesterday he was class. It's such a shame that he's coming to the end of his peak years. He's an absolute joy of a CB to watch.

Another player who i was convinced was finished. There's no way we let him go next season. He's such a formidable leader on and off the pitch. With CL football we need a squad and even if Tripper doesn't start in the CL, we might need him in the next PL game or whatever. He's one of those guys who could have a place at the club way beyond his playing days. If he's got an eye on management, he should take a similar path to Arteta with Guardiola, except with Howe. I can't think of a better way to learn your trade than stepping alongside Howes coaching staff.

Yeah in the last few games Sandro has been our best midfielder but Joelinton was very good against MU and Bruno had a good game last night. It's so weird seeing Bruno outshone.

On our day we can match any team in the country, we've beaten Arsenal 3 times which is a fair basis to judge any side on. We've had consistency issues, which related firstly to finding the midfield balance and secondly our inability to rotate players when they needed a rest after a long spell in the side. The first part is already fixed, we know our best midfield and the chemistry is perfect. The second part requires two things, firstly a squad of sufficient depth to rotate players in and out. For example, we can't mount a title challenge when in order to give Bruno a rest we bring Longstaff on in his place. Secondly, Eddie has to bite the bullet at times and show he's willing to rest the odd player who is in a performing side before they get jaded. This isnt a criticism of Howe, it's just something new he's going to have to think about. If next season, we can come off a win and have the bravery to, let's say rest Gordon and bring Barnes in, rest Botman and bring Burn in or even rest a fundamental player like Isak/Tonali, only then will we have the capacity to mount a serious threat. Our first team players are going to have to quickly realise that they are going to have to sit on the bench and be rested from time to time. This will prevent injuries and allow us to keep our levels up. .... Anyway, I'd be shocked if we didn't get CL from this point. It would also be nice to get 3rd or 4th too.

And city, what i was getting at was the drop to 5th.

We've got a 5 point advantage and a better goal difference than the two competitors that count (Villa and Chelsea), also Chelsea are in the depths of despair. We are coasting to be fair.

This is Joelinton levels of improvement. His crossing is absolutely top level. Strong shooting. Good decision making. He's also got the best attitude. He deserves everything that's coming his way.

Yeah that stuff just makes us the bad guys. It's funny but I don't want to give them fuel.

We played Happy Mondays against Man U too.

Imagine if we have Wharton to bring on instead of Longstaff.

Tell you what mind.... Tino looks like the best full back in the world right now.

Tonali having to babysit Willock and Longstaff.

Longstaff is God awful.

Toying with them.

Sub Bruno too now please.

Yeah i keep writing him off.

Aye subs time.

How long do you think Eze can play for these lot without wanting more from his career?

Aye hes been mint, was sloppy against Man U at times but class today.

Like Brazil 1970 this.

He was a palace player and literally went to a cup final with them. We can't be too harsh on that. Jeez.

Swapping ends worked Palace.

Aye hes been class. Put it on a plate for Isak.