Unbelievable

Camera operator drunk again?

Also great cross by Murphy. Shame Isak couldn’t finish

Close Bruno

Great start

Howay the lads!

If we beat them at home we'd be level on points and (if things stay as they are and we win today) ahead on goal difference, no? Granted, they look bang on form

Sels is insane, Wood too. How is this even possible?

Aye. We were so good in that first half. Could prove very costly at the end of the season.

Not really. If the rules at the time of takeover (105m loss over 3 years) were still in place we could spend, but since then new rules have been brought in to cap spending on players (wages and amortised fees) as a percentage of revenue, and we are sailing close to the wind on that one I think.

Weird. Doesn't he start for Chelsea?

Someone stop this person from entering the stadium

He’s not GUARANTEED to miss the rest of the season. I said we’ll be lucky to get a few sub appearances from him. Sadly, that’s roughly how it’s been with him since the start of 2024 tbh.

Huh? Bloke has played 57 minutes for us this season. 57 minutes

Because he’s made of glass. We’ll be lucky to get a few sub appearances out of him.

I’d rather we start Osula in the Brum game. Let’s be real, Wilson is going to miss of what remains of the season and then leave us in the summer, whereas Osula has a future here, hopefully.

Can see how that deal would make sense for all parties tbf

Is this the same Luuk de Jong as the one who scored 277 goals in 636 games of professional football?

I’ve wondered the same, and if indeed this is Bunce’s influence it is working. Back when we were rotating Isak and Wilson Isak would often look noticeably more tired towards the end of games. I think he looks more consistently himself (great) now. Like you say, the same goes for Murphy whose fitness is more managed by early subs. Also Tonali looks like he could run a marathon after the final whistle, plus we have far fewer injuries than previous season(s). Evidently something is working at player conditioning level and long may it continue.

I’d say the biggest difference is last year we were playing Dan Burn in Hall’s position, whereas this year it’s Isak in Osula’s…

Then after that straight off to Betfair to place a bet for him getting booked at the weekend

Yes. Clearly that is the (new) problem we are facing, especially as Europe looks an ever more likely prospect.

I think it’s abundantly clear that we cannot, under the current regulations like them or lump them, afford to strengthen the first team. I’m a bit surprised at the lack or (reported) signings for the academy though I must say. I imagined that might have been a priority considering the previous point and the fact that building up the academy is critical to any future success we may have.

My heir has arrived!

Yes and no. In a true Howe-ism I'd argue we don't need to worry about other clubs' revenue growth, but we need to concentrate on our own. What Man U, Spurs and the others do is beyond our control and only indirectly relevant to our fortunes, because as we've proven since the takeover this club can punch above its weight when galvanised and united. Similarly from 15 years of Ashley we are also all too astutely aware of the devastating impact a non-commited ownership and a fractioned relationship between club, players and fans can have, such as what is brewing at Man U and Spurs. Put it this way: I'd rather be in our position right now than in theirs even with the artificial restrictions imposed on us and that it all feels a bit fragile still. This club was always a sleeping giant and it is slowly waking up under proper management and direction both on and off the pitch.