aussiemag

Dubravka Trippier Schar Botman Livramento Miley Bruno Joelinton Gordon Wilson Isak

Howe has earned the patience of the fans and the owners. People forget quickly how fabulous he has been for the club after a few below average away performances. This is a man who saved us from certain relegation, who transformed players of next no value (Longstaff, Schar, Almiron, Joelinton, Murphy, Krafth, Lascelles) into dependable Premier League and Champions League players, he has lead us to our first cup final in 20 + years and qualified us for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. We are 7th in the table. We have beaten Arsenal, Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and PSG all at home this season. These players and the manager have never experienced the fixture congestion and injuries we have seen this season. We are only 2 years into our journey with new owners. Our squad is nowhere near the finished article and we are going to lose matches. Howe has more than enough credit in the bank. If we are losing games with a full squad and a full week inbetween games, then I can understand pressure building. But not yet!

I think its a combination of things. Our game is based on physical fitness, pressing, pace and intensity. Due to the volume of game and injuries, our players are tired and carrying niggles and the game plan doesn't hold up when they cant be at 100% physically. We need a plan B where we keep possession and limit energy usage. But to do this we need some more technical players.

Liverpool were very much like us last season and came home with a wet sail once the injuries and fixture congestion eased up. The top 6 is still very much in our reach which is a good season. Success isn't going to be linear.

Exactly, Ashworth sets the footballing strategy. Yes he would have a say on signings, but the data and recommendations will come from the scouting team. Then Eddie Howe, Andy Howe, Ashworth and Steve Nickson will decide who to target.

Maddison, Diaby and Livramento would have been mint.

it’s a season long loan, so the fee was always going to be paid next season. So it can’t be this.

Tripps putting on this limp a bit?

Trippier! That had nothing to do with beating the low block.

Mudryk not great against a low block.

Aussie ref, useless.

Ritchie is awful off the ball. Running around like a mad man and leaving his man free.

What’s Amrabat been like? Looks stiff and slow whenever I’ve seen him.

Agree that the behaviour of Klopp and Arteta can be detestable. But haven’t seen too much of Emery being like that.

Would love Paqueta and Bowen.

I’d worried about Emery going to Chelsea or Man Utd if I was them.

Yes, but I don't think he would be available at a reasonable price.

Thought he was excellent. Love the bloke.

Carrick was class.

2 decades. It’s like a child’s head has been placed on Michael Carrick body.

Krafth has been excellent.

Class ball from Bruno

doesn’t make sense, because his development is being stunted. I just don’t think the club think he is worth the 30 mill and think they can spend it elsewhere.

the kid has just turned 19. Surely his parents are driving him to training?

I am sure there are triggers that need to be reached ie. 10 appearances for the obligation to kick in. Don’t think you can have a straight out obligation anymore to circumvent FFP.