Conjo

9 goals in 18 matches. Sunday was the first time he's scored more than one goal against us, so he's scored against us in 8 of 18 matches.

My only concern by setting such an ambitious target is what happens if we fail to achieve it? We could see a great improvement in style of play and not get the results needed to get into European competition, and could risk calls for Howe to be sacked. Don't think I'd like that unless we go on an insane spending spree in the summer where conference league qualification would be seen as the bare bare minimum.

I lowkey want them back in the PL purely because of how great spectacle the derby games are, and I really want to experience it in person at least once. That being said, them in L1 provides a more even flow of entertainment throughout the season so there's no rush

Haaland has insisted on having relatively low release clauses at both Salzburg and Dortmund. I think he will probably have the same at City to keep his options open.

Some players are so talented that you're willing to let a lack of pressing and tracking back slide, for them to conserve their energy in order to do their magic. It's a bit of a lose-lose situation for flair players. If they're not on form, you at least want them to put in the work, however how are they supposed to find form if they don't have the energy to do the stuff they can do? It's a tricky topic. I don't think ASM, while obviously a very talented footballer, is even close to HBA, Robert and Ginola so I'm not sure I'd include him in the above personally. If we're speaking FM terms, he's 20 dribbling and flair but 10 technique and first touch so unable to be effective while doing what he is good at. Can he still develop? Maybe, and he deserves a chance next season imo next to better players to show us he can be the player he says he wants to be. In the meantime give Elliott the last two matches to test himself at this level.

Just seen highlights from Arsenal - Leeds. Ayling doing a Barton.

Don't care about the result. Didn't look like the team gave up despite the two late goals. Just glad to see Trippier and Wilson back. Hopefully they can make a difference against Arsenal and Burnley. Game was all ready over when they came on today.

Wilson straight into some much needed shithousery Seeing him and Trippier ready to play again certainly the highlight of the game so far for me.

Some players need that mass. Remember how shit Bernard became under that French prick (Le Guen?) at Rangers after he put him on a diet? Just a shadow of the player that played for us.

Eh? This is the only point this entire season where we actually have the opportunity to give game time to our younger players. Elliot turns 20 this year, so not the worst idea to see how he copes with PL level football when we know he is in good form. He needs to break into the first team season after next at the latest, or else it is likely he never will. 20 isn't as young for a footballer these days as it maybe used to be.

Beating City doesn't mean Liverpool win the league. They'll be on even points. Burnley is probably already down after today so us winning the last match means nothing. No matter what winning before today meant for other teams I'd want us to win both, and I still do.

Pards antics were just sad and funny as you knew 9/10 times it would come back to bite him in the ass. Tony Pulis jumping was annoying but tolerable. Mourinho is probably just behind Klopp, agree. Klopp just goes on like it's Liverpool against the world and that justice has been served, if that makes sense? He needs to be slapped mid-celebration by someone.

I fucking hate watching Klopp celebrate goals

Crazy

3 goals behind on goal difference now let's fucking goooooooo

Assist for their first goal, or was it the other Anderson? Northampton up 3 tho :/

You had me on the hook until the last sentence

How many players a club can load out is being gradually limited though over the coming years.

You may very well be right, but it would be interesting to see how he does in that position before a conclusion is drawn. He's already surprised us once this season.

It's uncharted territory, but Joelinton could potentially be used as a central defensive midfielder given how easily he slotted into the left side of that midfield 3. Could easily see him develop into Shelveys role, giving Bruno and Paqueta more license to roam and attack. and yes I've already taken it for granted that we're bringing Paqueta home to Bruno to form our new 3 man Brazilian midfield next season.

In the beginning all the links were "Trippier to Newcastle for £25m", then when the deal was announced it was reported as a structured deal for an initial £12m fee with various incentives including a "substantial fee" if we managed to retain our PL status, up to "close to double the initial fee". Either way, similarly to the Wood deal no matter what the correct value is. it's been worth it. I just don't think we were in a position to get these great deals when being loaded with money and in a desperate position. Not exactly the best bargaining position to be in

Most reports on the transfers. It was Widely reported that fee for Trippier would rise to around double the initial fee if we stay up. We paid around £5m loan fee for Targett with option to buy for another £15m.

Eh? Targett will be ~£20m including loan fee Trippier will be ~£25m now that we are staying up.

Pickford is a good keeper in general, but not a good fit for us. His personality doesn't fit in with the character Howe wants. He'd struggle to win over fans, and there will always be a question around his commitment to the club. I'd stay well clear. Can already see the headlines of him caught on social media singing a Sunderland song or wearing a Sunderland shirt or something silly, or getting into trouble with Newcastle fans in a pub/night club