Conjo

Granted Girona didn't put up much of a fight, but on paper, albeit not "glamourous" in the way a Juventus, Lyon, Atletico etc would have been, both Girona and Brest were very very solid tests of where we are for the start of the season. Don't think a team that has played against Bayern or Madrid has any advantage over us in terms of preparations.

Can hardly remember what he was like for his few games other than that he was class against Villa and by the time his ban started, Longstaff seemed to fit into our game plan better.

To be fair, it must be really difficult to pass up on some nerd that keeps rage posting about Miguel Almiron all the time.

With two quality left wingers and Wilson always injured, at least the the people who constantly wants to shoehorn players into positions they aren't natural in have moved away from wanting to play Isak on the wing with Wilson up top. However, the Gordon on the right brigade will become really boring really fast. Are you the same people who wanted Colo & Schar to play in midfield? Or wanted Livramento and/or Trippier on the left back position? Crazy talk.

We've got two Swedes and a Dane in the first team picture, so would be nice if Hernes took a step towards the first team so we can have Norway represented too.

Back to back Sela cup wins.

Just sell Gordon to Liverpool while his stock is at its highest. Barnes can cover for Sanusi.

He's swept everything that has come over the defence so far this game though

Weird comment to make in the pre-season/match thread. Dubs hasn't put a foot wrong so far. Been good at sweeping, passing and making some decent saves. Based on this half he is absolutely good enough to be number two.

Not sure if it definitely was, but looked marginally offside yes. Great run and finish either way.

Impressed by Brest. Much better test for Southampton than Girona yesterday.

Brest is a really hard working and good passing team. Didn't know they did as well last season as they did, getting 3rd in Ligue 1. Oh and we score

Fret averted. It said it should be on V Sport Premier League (Norway) on nufc.com but I couldnt't see it. Was just me not looking hard enough.

Is there anywhere to watch the match online?

He just bothered the third placed la liga team. He's become better and better every season since Howe came here. I'm cautiously hoping he has his break through season at the tender age of 29 Wouldn't cry if we got a RW in of course, but seeing how he's done in pre-season I think we can manage and compete with the top teams perfectly fine with him and Almiron.

Easily MoM against Girona from me. If he stays fit for the entire season he'll brute force a CL spot for us.

They did him dirty in the highlights video by not properly showing that bit of skill before the pass to Isak that started the move that Parkinson Joelinton'ed. Doesn't have the pace of an ASM or Doku, but looks like he could develop into a smarter player.

He's got Joelinton's Syndrome in front of goal. He'll become a great midfield destroyer in 5 years Parkinson.

Girona starting with their second string?

Brilliant commentator. Burn was a great buy from Fulham. Longstaff was the Geordie favorite signed by Rafa Benitez.

Based on previous games I'd assume if we are in desperate need of a goal, Howe will keep Isak on in addition to Osula. Only time Osula will be subbed on for Isak is due to injury or seeing out a game we are leading.

Ginola had 16 in 76 appearances and ASM 21 in 124 appearances so not a massive difference. Playing a bit of devils advocate here, but couldn't you also say that it should be easier to do well in a better team?

No way. At worst it'll be like last season where they play like dog water but still accumulates enough undeserved 1 goal margin wins and some draws where they'll never be truly out of reach of European places.

I just see that more as being effective than creative. As I said above, probably just me who has a more narrow definition of what creative means

Through ball to Barnes against West Ham last season f.ex.