STM

I still thought he was head and shoulders our most threatening player today. He's about the only positive thing getting me through this sticky patch.

My mind must have blanked that out.

Yep, I advocated playing Murphy as a number 10, just for his energy and pace. Not ideal, sure but something that changes that dynamic.

Another good post. Its OK to say that Miley looks and unreal prospect but also to say that our side is suffering without the usual players in there.

I don't agree with Schar. He's nowhere near got the legs. Has Schar ever played there? But if we persist with Burn, Livramento into Mileys 8 position would work. Livramento in any position on the pitch would work coz he's absolutely class. The idea that we aren't utilising our second most (after Gordon) energetic, physical and most dynamic player blows my mind. I'm absolutely convinced we could stick Livramento in any position on the pitch and the team would benefit.

Also, casual reminder that the ref facilitated their tactical fouling and looked mortified that he had to give a pen. I knew he'd get the book out later on in the game, rendering his early card-shyness an absolute joke.

100% It's not about individuals. The flat shape and lack of physicality is killing us.

I think you highlight a great point about where we are going wrong. We CAN afford to be slightly more conservative. Even a shape change in CM would make a difference, let alone players. If we can have Isak and Willock back, post Arsenal, they might save our bacon.

Howe will shut up shop against Arsenal, we will look a threat on the break, then the week after we will open up and play basketball again.

Shite performance again. Absolutely naive. Summed up by Schar at 1-1 when we need a cool head to calm the game down, he hoofed it up the pitch, giving it away, putting needless pressure on the ball. It's those moments where we need a cool head and our experienced players aren't doing it. We are playing basketball, not football. Also fuck off with Burn man. We instantly looked better with Livramento. Enough is enough.... he will probably start at Arsenal.

Not about the result though. Performance has been the same. We could win this and I'd still be annoyed.

See above, missed the word biggest.

Sorry I meant biggest problem.

Yep. It's been the same for weeks and we absolutely don't have to play this formation.

Burn is shite but its not even close to being our problem. The midfield 3 are appalling.

What if you were shite but didn't know it?

Can we just do our job defensively please? We will score but can we keep them out?

Ah that's because technically we can have friendlies behind closed doors, which are in effect training sessions. It's a grey area really.

I wonder if this could have a good baring on Joelintons new contract. Ultimately, Ashworth leaving could have a softening effect in our negotiations. It would be nice to think someone could step in and make it priority number one.

He gets pre season though right? That's the most important thing.

It's a concept alien to our fans, the idea that you could spend big money on potential. Livramento has been outstanding and will soon be a regular. Hall is a mystery. Looked good for Chelsea... has looked really raw for us. Not sure how that one goes. So yeah, like every other club... you win some you lose some. Not for our fans though. Someone must hang.

Do both. They still have to compensate us if he's on gardening leave.

Someone will pay, we won't get much though. Getting his wages gone will be a victory.

Honestly Gordon looked brighter up there. It's just a shame that Gordon has to move positions. Wilson looked really poor in his last couple of games.

He's done am amazing job of souring the amount of goals he's scored by getting injured. Part of me is pleased because now there can be no doubt that he shouldn't be part of our long term plans. Bye Calum, thanks.