KaKa

Good subs. Come on Osula. Get you one.

That mistake just then by Hall was cleaned up by Tonali's recovery pace, which made them slow down and go backwards. So key having him deeper from a defensive stand point.

Not sure, but they are starting to add up. Could have had even more with some better finishing. So good seeing it work out and the midfield come together, with him and Tonali in there.

Most others would have.

Brilliant! How about that composure and vision from Bruno. Too slick!

Yeah, that was very risky!

Love Bruno right up on the edge of the opposition box creating opportunities with his interchanges. So good.

We really need an upgrade on that right wing.

You can't give him the ball in tight spaces. Just needs to stay high, wide and out of the way, until we're further up the pitch.

Murphy man ... my goodness.

Yup, just need to stick with it and let it continue to gel even further. Even against the low blocks that have been a problem, having the threat of a Tonali shot or link up now added in, will make a massive difference.

Brentford definitely came in looking to make this a scrappy stop start affair to frustrate. Two fantastic bits of quality from Tonali have killed that off. Could have easily been the sort of game we would have been complaining we weren't threatening enough otherwise. That's why you start him!

Add more quality in midfield and you get more goals. Get in! What a volley that is!

Been so stop and start. Can't get into any sort of rhythm.

Knew Murphy wouldn't release that ball. No need for that extra touch man!

So much for that low block. Add Tonali's quality and we are better placed to beat it!

Sandro Tonali!!!

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5971526/2024/12/18/james-bunce-newcastle-performance-director/

Yeah, however, there is a bit of a middle ground too to some extent. And that is finding someone more proven that is currently undervalued, or who is still in a league where they can be had for a lower fee. It's going to be very interesting to see how we navigate this in the next few windows.

I understand where you're coming from. This is why I've been saying recently that there has to be some balance because we should still be aiming for Europe every year. Ideally Dibling should be coming in as a backup to someone more experienced starting in a top league and with some European experience also. And we then move on the likes of Almiron and Murphy. How realistic that all is though, I don't know. But then again, it depends on how highly they rate Dibling's potential. If they project him making the same sort of quick transition as Hall has, then he'll be worthy of starting in that position. Will all have to be considered.

Yeah, the £21 million seems to be a bit off. Looks like that has come from the Man Utd side, and what they are looking to bid. So how high would you guys go for him, based on what he's shown so far?

Apparently new contract talks with Tyler Dibling are not going great at Southampton and he isn't happy with it. There's talk that both ourselves and Man United are the most keen. I imagine we'd have a strong chance of convincing him, with the progress fellow young English players, Hall and Tino, have shown, and also because his position is a glaring weakness for us right now. Apparently Southampton want at least £21 million if they sell. Would people be happy with him coming in as a starter on the right? Still quite young and inexperienced, so wondered what people think.

One of my favourites because I couldn't stand Spurs at the time. Such an explosive strike into the top corner. I went mental afterwards

I think he meant Robben was better on the ball, or was at least trying to say that. I hope!