STM

Pope 9 Trippier 10 Schar 8 Botman 7 Burn 7 Longstaff 8 Bruno 7 Tonali 6 Murphy 6 Isak 5 Gordon 6 Miggy 7 Wilson 6 Anderson 7 Barnes n/a

Longstaff better.

At his very, very best today.

Was absolutely shocking in the second half. Wasn't tracking back, couldn't keep the ball, was very lazy. No excuses.

Thank fuck someone is watching the same game as me.

Man, this place is aids.

Shots don't equal good chances. That Leao chance was guilt edge, the rest weren't.

I thought we did all right. They only cut us open once. We've had plenty of the ball. Never thought I'd see Milan as sit deep long ball merchant's.

It's weird after watching blurry ITV highlights from yesteryear, now watching Eddie's HD mags.

Aye its quite important when your playing in the biggest league in the world. Just get the right number 7.

Bet he can't believe his fortune. From on the bench with Everton, to having his name sung in the streets of Milan on the eve of the CL... in 9 months.

Looking at that, I'd be exploiting wide areas and cutting balls back to the edge of the box.

Don't think Wilson starts but I would.

To be fair, last season he was waaaaaaay better with the ball than he was the year before. Perhaps we trust him and Eddie to get him back to his best? We know he's not as good as Tonali on the ball but Longstaff is still vital to our success. We will need both.

It was a foul in the box. It's a pen, it's always been a pen. Brentford were dirty cunts and got what they deserved.

Was worried after his Scottish ventures. Will be great to see how Minteh and this lad get on.

Actually looking at the highlights Anderson had some great moments, some neat turns and touches. Ultimately, I think he's a number 10 playing in an 8. He'd much prefer to be playing further up. A few other notes: Gordon at times is unplayable, still has inconsistent moments. He's a nightmare for opposition. Barnes has a high footballing IQ, his decision making is excellent. Always has his head up. Botman needs wrapped in cotton wool and CB is by far our top priority now. Burn is slowly losing support for a starting position. I'd suggest that by the end of the season he won't be in the side.

This match thread.

Really like the look of that. Plenty from the bench too.

Fuck sake, why is it the same mindless shite? It's OK to think Brentford are a decent side but also think we should be beating them. Have some confidence and faith man.

I actually think Tonali night make it. My theory is that Howe effectively asked him to withdraw from Italy squad and the thigh stuff is just covering. Managing his workload etc

The games will come thick and fast now. No need to worry about players getting games. I can see a few getting Brentford + Milan and then being replaced for the next PL game. Tonali missing might be a blessing in disguise. A more familiar feel to midfield might get everyone settled down.

Speaking for myself, I'm more interested in what's going on behind the scenes. Building a foundation with top class operators will see us successful in the long term, long after the likes of Bruno and Trippier have gone. Eales said himself, the correlation between wages and success is there for us all to see. The plan is to build the club commercially so we can get to that promise land. Once we've done that.... trophies will follow. Most of our current players are merely a bridge between the past and the future.