Conjo

Afaik this was the premise for signing for Man Utd in the middle of the season, that he would be allowed to adopt his style of play, and could effectively write the season off while getting the team adjusted to his tactics. Anything bar genuine threat of relegation why should he all of a sudden change the core principle of his way of playing? Besides, I bet he makes a lot of subtle changes from game to game, like Howe does when we're struggling, which isn't necessarily obvious to us watching all the time. Still remember some people complaining about our style of play in the championship under Rafa as they wanted us to steam roll other teams. Rafa knew better and was preparing the whole squad for the return to the PL. Short term pain for long term gain isn't necessarily the wrong thing to do. Next season will tell us more about his qualities as a manager imo.

After swearing off football for the weekend yesterday I've just had a glimpse at the live scores. I'm back in.

How to say your kink is getting cucked without saying you love getting cucked.

Well played to Bournemouth. Out worked us everywhere on the pitch. Wake up call after a fantastic run of games that we can't just show up and expect to win games.

They pressed us really well in our previous meeting, and we never really got going and ended up with a fairly undeserved point in the end. If Bournemouth perform similarly it'll still be a tough game, but I'm more confident we can play through their press this time with Dubravka, Botman & Tonali in the side instead of Pope, Krafth & Longstaff.

As an enthusiastic, mediocre at best, part-time body language expert, I get the feeling they don't like each other that much? Gordon not using Hall on the overlap is the most obvious case, but Hall also at times passes to other players that doesn't seem to be in as good a position as Gordon, and they also seem to lash out a bit at each other when one of them takes an attempt at goal when the other believes he is a better position and wanted the pass (moreso than if it was other players doing it to them).

Our last chance to get Embuemo was in the summer. Completely out of our reach financially....for now.

Damn, Man Utd are going to win this arent they?

Keane Only way he'd get anything from Joelinton would be from a reckless challenge coming from outside of his peripheral vision.

Best central midfield trio you mean?

As good as the pass/assist for the goal was, personally I enjoyed his earlier through ball to Isak on the left wing more. Outrageously well timed, threaded, curved pass.

Maybe we'd be worse?

The odd dribbling run aside, his quality on the ball has always been his weak point. Don't think its a problem though, just a limiting factor that he can't be used as a playmaking FB like Trippier & Hall.

It's great to see him play these days. Still remember when he first joined, he looked so nervous/insecure. He's always had the talent and physicality to make it, which I assume is what convinced Rafa to commit such a big percentage of the transfer budget on him at the time. Like with Longstaff, Bruce completely ruined him. Howe should take a lot of credit for building these guys back up again.

Thought we were in full control and never really felt nervous about Wolves at all. We played some great football throughout. Great game. Only dodgy spell being after we went 3-0 up as the players seemed to assume they didn't have to put in the effort after that.

Playing like they don't understand the match is still ongoing Focus lads

If we played like Nottingham Forest when Wood was here he would have done better, but we didn't, and he didn't suit our style of play, so he was actually pretty bad for us despite giving his all. Happy he's doing well. Seems like a great guy, and as it turns out, a pretty decent player when used right.

Aye, he probably does it in part out of frustration if he can feel he isn't the same as he once was. Was a small thing now a few minutes ago where he pushed Elanga when the ball had just gone out, before lashing out at his team mates. Nah dude, you're just over the hill and on the way down little fucker.

VVD is such a snide little cunt. Hope someone lacerates him.

We've way too recent finally gotten rid of Cack Jogback and annoyingly mid-length hair guy from Ireland and you want us to spend money on their marginally improved regen?

Unless the loan agreement came with an option or obligation to buy I wouldn't want us to regardless of whether he wanted to and Brighton would loan him to us. Southampton should be all over them if its a straight loan till end of the season. Would benefit all parties involved.

Hardly Barnes

They are in the best place they've been in 10 years, and can genuinely focus on looking forward with the potential they have in their squad. So much wasted energy focusing on speculating what imaginary Newcastle-fans think rather than just enjoying what they currently have and what it can be.