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Glad both Okafor and Chukwueze got out of AC Milan and got Prem moves. Should both be far better suited to this league.

One innovation around data has seen him develop an algorithm that assesses performances relative to the strength of the league they are playing in. Using data and artificial intelligence, he developed a “tax rate” for leagues all over the world, which is then used in a mathematical equation that works out whether their performances are impressive enough to warrant a conversation about them becoming a transfer target. It goes like this: player A scores 20 goals in the Belgian league and has physical data that stands out. The equation developed by Gopaladesikan multiplies those numbers by the league’s “tax rate” adjusted by the team’s relative strength in the league. If the numbers still stand out, it feels like a green flag for the scouting team. That would be good for Newcastle because it would allow them to consider a much, much larger pool of players from markets they couldn’t cover with traditional scouting methods.

Yeah, I think he'll break into the national team at some point this season barring any long term injury. Especially as Nagelsmann will be paying much closer attention to our games now anyway, with Woltemade upfront too.

Villa lost away at Club Brugge last season in this competition. And they were good enough last year to get to the quarter finals.

It's just so ridiculous man

I watched Club Brugge absolutely destroy this Monaco team in the last round. How are Man City not beating them today?!

Hojlund now scoring doubles in the Champions League man Man Utd are such a disgrace

They both never hide and are just non stop determined runners, and it just opens up everything else. If your expectations are perfect touches and control all the time, you're for sure going to be disappointed. Ultimately, it's not always going to be pretty, but it's going to cause a lot of problems due to how we exploit their speed and forward running in Howe's system.

I really think he was enjoying the space our setup afforded him to drop into and operate in. Stark contrast to those showings of his we saw for Germany in the last international break. Nagelsman should be taking notes.

Yes, absolutely. It's really going to get special the more the understanding and connections develop.

Agreed. Thought both him and Gordon were very good. Their relentless direct runs with and without the ball opened things up centrally for Woltemade to work his magic. Both were also involved in really good play to create chances and both forced the two penalties we scored from. Looking forward to more from this front three. Brought a much more balanced feel to the team's attack.

Ironically, he always seems so calm and collected going about his business. Has come into the team with no fuss and looks like he's been part of the defensive line for years. Really happy for him.

His teammates seemed to be enjoying his performance as much as the rest of us. They've all really started firing the ball into his feet now, almost as if to see what clever manipulation and distribution he could come up with next. So much fun to watch and it's still only early days. Much more to come still!

Great for Barnes to get a goal there. Big for him.

Great play from Osula just then

Very different in Europe. Anything touches a hand and a pen is likely.

Another great pen. Still a bit worried Gordon is our pen taker going forward though. Never feel confident when he steps up

Penalty. Was a great cross from Gordon.

Good play Gordon. Great outlet again.

Trippier messing about trying to play that between his legs and losing it!

Both full backs are scaring me at the minute.

Burn is bombing forward too much I think, don't need him to go so early. Needs to focus on defending.

Think they've bigged up our performance a fair bit. They've been loving Elanga down the right in particular.

Yup. Their relentless running down both sides has put Union's defence on their heels and pushed them back. It's a big reason why Nick has had so much space to receive the ball in the middle and do his thing so wonderfully. Working very well and can only continue to get better with more time and familiarity.

They didn't realise a penalty had been given initially.