Yorkie

May contain hyperbole

We could be top of the league unbeaten and I'd still predict a defeat here. Cunt club, just get through it and bot them in the cup a few days later.

There was the obvious chances (the two one-on-ones and the Gordon header being the worst of them) but there were others too; players got in behind from the left hand side but we just couldn't find the killer pass or shot. There was one, from my pov in the East/Leazes corner, where it looked like all Joelinton had to do was touch in and it was a goal, but he got nothing on it. Can distinctly recall screeching "HOW HAVEN'T WE SCORED" at one point in the second half so will rely on that memory to conclude that we should have scored.

Similar but a lot less stark; the midfielders definitely need to improve but I thought both Tonali and Joe were really good in spells yesterday. Agree that Bruno isn't in great form. The only thing that would've tempted me to back his sale was the prospect that he'd burn out this season. Looking plausible atm.

Stadium seemed at least a quarter empty during a really long injury time where we had the opposition completely pinned back and had a sequence of set pieces. I'd find it depressing if I hadn't totally expected it. There were some boos at FT too, though not loads. Disgraceful behaviour from anyone doing that; those players owe that home crowd absolutely fuck all. We've been immense at SJP for nearly three years solid. Despite the negatives I thought the atmosphere in general was decent and I wasn't thinking at any point (during the bulk of the game) that the players weren't being supported. The crowd reacted to the flow of the game; getting up for it and vociferous during our dominant spells/reacting to their time-wasting, and getting flatter when the team stalled.

Is that a common theme? Seems a predictable pattern against a low block with a packed centre; just horseshoeing around the box looking for space. We also miss Botman's ability to play out from the back, compared to Burn. Not denying the issue, just wonder if it's really that ingrained or more a reflection of yesterday in particular.

I don't understand how the goals have dried up so much after scoring about a million times last season. Agree with general concerns about going stale, and you can easily picture us meandering to a disappointing mid-table finish on the basis of the season so far - but ultimately we're just badly under-scoring our xG atm. Absolutely mental that we didn't stick one away today. Game hinged on Isak's chance in the first half. Set pieces are wank. Hall is class. Love the lads.

ORDER OF PLAY: 10:00-10:13 🔴Reds v Blues🔵 10:15-10:28 ⚪️Whites v NUFCs🔲 10:30-10:43 🔴Reds v Whites⚪️ 10:45-10:58 🔵Blues v NUFCs🔲 11:00-11:13 🔴Reds v NUFCs🔲 11:15-11:28 🔵Blues v Whites⚪️

Love him to bits.

Stretch it to 18 months or so and that's all we need to win the World Cup. A short term appointment makes sense if the idea is to get the best we possibly can before the next tournament.

Think Neville has nailed it here tbh. We've appointed the best available coach at the expense of continuing the commitment towards our own coaches. If Carsley was the best available coach from this nation, and wasn't up to it, then it looks like we're back to soul-searching a wee bit, following the unmitigated success of the St George's Park era so far. I'm surprised by the appointment because I assumed they'd give Carsley a fair crack, following ours and Spain's example with Southgate and De La Fuente. That we've gone foreign is an even bigger surprise and makes you wonder what the craic is with Potter. Lampard obviously not up to it either. On the other hand, when you consider the strength of the squad and given how close we are to actually lifting a trophy, it makes sense to pair these players with the best possible coach right now. We're on the precipice; maybe we can justifiably park the long-term project for one tournament?

Couldn't agree less with Fry's interpretation tbh. Architecture is an expression of humanities; good architecture respects nature but it doesn't have to be completely indistinct from it. He must love Hobbiton and Teletubbyland.

Happily forgot all about that Ritchie one. Love the way Sterling bodyslams the deck after his miss.

Likewise. I'm gonna be shying away from tackles like a young Hugo Viana.

Black and whites are canny. Ryan always strong, Sewelly a goal machine if he turns up, ginger Pirlo, Froggy with the mentality... Very pleased to see each team be claimed they're favourites/very strong. I will refer people to this page when someone inevitably gripes about the fairness of the sides.

Interesting appointment! He can't change Palmer's face though so until then I shall remain ambivalent.

Unbelievable replaces InfatuationJunkie in the Blues squad.

Just go for it.

Shite boring draws for York and Scarborough; away to Wycombe and Burton respectively. No replays either because of the Champions League or something.

Yeah, clear favourites for me. With as minimal intervention as possible*, I try to draw fair teams, but there's always a surprise. *I'm not not wearing this amazing Torino shirt, lads. Dealer's perks.

I'd be desperate to see something vaguely unique and/or distinctive, whatever shape or material. SJP isn't an architecture marvel by an stretch but I'd be heartbroken to lose it in favour of a Spurs-like bogseat design. I'm not sure something pastiche would necessarily be the way to go; I don't think it's essential that it should mimic something from the city - a sandstone facade would presumably be impossibly expensive so you'd be left with a pretend material just stuck on. But if it could be done really, really well - rather than a haphazard nod to something for the sake of it - maybe something like that could be cool.

Close up can see Gateshead's is blue and not white like I thought. Lovely shirt actually.

That must be the most blatant kit clash I've ever seen.

For some reason I found myself watching extended highlights of that 4-0 vs West Ham at the beginning of 2002/03 and he looked great. But aye, Feyenoord peak sadly overshadowed by the Marseille incident. That was such a drab tie, so annoying we couldn't put em away at SJP.