STM

Well they did.

I think we will make 2 changes, Murphy and Tonali for Elanga and Miley.

I think he will be on the bench vs Burnley too.

I wouldn't normally but it was something at the time I thought "we will see" and made a note to revisit it. It was something I was convinced of. Anyway, its absolutely mint news.

No, just nice to be proven right... Lush Vlad.

Theres many, many others but I said weeks ago he wouldnt be going to AFCON and everyone ignored me. Journalists have been reporting for weeks that the player was hinting at not going... Anyway, its nice to have a gloat but ultimately its fantastic news for us all.

Hes also an absolute diamond of a bloke. Did you see his post match with Thiaw.

It was the finish of a class act. It was the sort of finish you used to see Andy Cole or Ian Wright do on a compilation VHS tape back in the day.

Headers and worldies only.

The lack of raw pace will have put alot of clubs off. Fuck em. Football isn't all about who is quickest and strongest.

Id have Tonali or Bruno there.

Yep, Ramsdales aerial deficiencies are a lesser evil than Popes distribution. Ramsdale being on the pitch yesterday (along with Miley and Hall in particular) basically meant we could keep the ball when we wanted and because it released pressure it gave us a building block to continue going forward. Id give Ramsdale the xmas period and, as you say, we will have a better picture going into next season.

Did I suggest Miley as LCM? I love Joelinton but I like my midfielders to be able to retain possession, as much as regain it.

Can't be, sound lad is lucky, never talks shite, never.

Also worth noting that Barnes would have scored that Ramsey chance when he took the poor touch. Just shows which players are in form and fitness and which are feeling the rust. Willock looked bright from the bench again.

Fair play to those who were clammering for him to start. He changed our game entirely with his calmness at the back. We do lose authority in the box from set pieces but for where we are at, its the lesser of two evils. Its Ramsdales shirt to lose.

I thought that was his best game yet and again we actually created chances for him. I wish that one had gone in off the line. Hes one of those players who you pay to watch. Only scores headers and worldies.

Joelinton was ok but he gave the ball away 3 times leading to an Everton transition.

Yeah ive been banging this drum for a while. Hes unreal for his age. The only thing he is missing is that snarl, just want him to not look like a 12 year old boy. Against sides were we expect to have the ball, he should play every day over Joelinton.

Best thing that happened for him was that first minute chance he had. His confidence clearly took a boost and went on from there.

Lewis Hall is world class BTW. Its like we have Bruno at left back (in footballing terms).

Thats a classic Woltemade goal needlessly class

On the balance of play, I think its fair to say Marseille edged it. The controlled the important parts of the game better than us... but it wasnt a poor performance from us ane we shouldn't be ashamed.

We have used those players and they have let us down. Our best player on the pitch tonight was Willock and everyone was cry arsing pre match about him being in the team. Well that's not true, I wasnt... and a few others.

No, we keep competing as best we can until our turnover grows, then our expectations can grow with it. Right now we need to enjoy watching our side play CL footy and cup finals and perhaps show a bit of gratitude in the process. Or we could just mindlessly overreact to every defeat like its our first game of footy.