KaKa

That's his elbow. Has to be ruled out.

Looking to do a lot more in the Brazilian market going forward: https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/premier-league/artigo/_/id/16047952/mercado-da-bola-premier-league-newcastle-projeto-brasil-predador-mercado https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/premier-league/artigo/_/id/16335616/newcastle-se-encanta-com-copinha-e-prepara-novo-intensivao-por-joias-sul-americanas-veja-o-planejamento

At the time there were reports that we made a pig push for Delap, and him and his agents etc were very impressed with their meeting with Howe. I'm pretty certain we'll be in for him again. Never seemed a good fit for how Chelsea play, as he did so well in that Ipswich team because they looked for him early in behind and down the channels, more akin to how we play. Regarding the fee, I imagine Chelsea will quickly try to get back around what they paid for him, they have Jackson coming back in the summer, along with Emegha who they've already signed from Strasbourg. Guiu is still on their books too.

Forest looking really good.

They always teach you to pick up the man closer to the ball and you really can't wait for the ball to be played first to see where it's going as that's too late. Thiaw can't just leave Marmoush free in that position, it's a simple cut back and tap in for Marmoush if that pass is picked out. Everyone has to shift over and leave the man on the opposite far side free as that is the lesser threat. Trippier shouldn't be so wide still as whoever is on the outside is not as big a danger. Once the ball is played down the channel to Haaland who has moved away from Burn, Burn has to check back to see who is free, but he never does. Ideally he picks up Marmoush, Thiaw then picks up O'Reilly and Trippier can stay where he is.

Funnily enough he was the only one doing any defending in both situations

On the first Burn steps forward out of position and misses the ball leaving Thiaw to try and cover the gap he's left, as he's trying to stay in front of Marmoush who is driving forward with the ball, as well as O'Reilly who is running into space. On the second, once the ball is played into Haaland down the channel, Thiaw is the only one that finds a man to pick up. Burn is ball watching and doesn't pick anyone up. Thiaw correctly identifies Marmoush is free and covers him, you can then see he puts his hand up to point out that Trippier should pick up O'Reilly who is making the run forward also. Trippier who should see the whole picture in front of him, is late to shift over once Thiaw picks up Marmoush, and so O'Reilly scores. Please go back and watch the highlights again. It's all right there.

Yeah, the way he started the game seemed to unsettle us at the back and we conceded both goals during that first half when he seemed to be rattled.

Well, to be fair Murphy wasn't always like this and he only figured it out much later. I'm amazed that Elanga can't see how well that works for Murphy, and mimic some of that, as it would make his life so much easier. Hopefully he eventually figures it out too, and we see a similar realisation or improvement to what Murphy had, or he's in big trouble and so is the club.

Murphy just has the sense to play the ball forward quickly or cross it first time whenever he has any little space to do so, but in reality he's so poor man. If Elanga would just adopt the same approach for the time being, especially as he gets into great positions so often with his speed and runs in behind, he'd be so much better. But he's not been told to do so, or hasn't realised this for himself, which is just so incredibly disappointing.

As far as taking on defenders go and at least worrying them to some degree, I'm pretty certain we have the worst in the league, now Gordon is upfront. West Ham, Wolves and Burnley are the bottom three, and I see the likes of Summerville, Mane and Jaidon Anthony from each team respectively, causing teams far more problems consistently. It's crazy really.

So here's the sobering reality ... I don't remember a single thing any other winger did down the wings today. It's ridiculous really. The others can't even manage to make the same runs in behind to get into similarly dangerous positions. The winger situation at the club is unbelievable. Gordon has now gone upfront and has left the others to it and there's been no improvement whatsoever.

So disappointed really. Not impressed by this Man City team today. Had to get something from the game.

The state of that cross from Tonali man ... a fitting end to the game really.

If Murphy cuts inside he's going to give the ball away.

Elanga so often looks the worst aesthetically, but has still somehow looked more dangerous than Barnes and Murphy have. The three subs Barnes, Osula and Murphy have offered absolutely no threat whatsoever.

No more runs in behind once Gordon and Elanga have gone off. Now look completely toothless.

Hasn't done enough since being put back on his favoured left side.

Oh look ... Trippier running back in quick sand again.

Gordon still looks pretty sharp out there, why is he being taken off?!

Lovely ball through from Ramsey. Elanga should be putting that across there.

Barnes has already picked up a yellow for a silly foul.

Tonali man. My God.

Where's Tonali there? Guy hasn't really made his presence felt all match.

Can Burn stop trying to fucking wrestle with Haaland?!