AyeDubbleYoo

We're definitely not adrift, if we'd finished a chance against Brighton we'd probably be 5th.

Murphy contributes just as much in terms of those numbers, but he also has plenty of moments where an attack breaks down because of him. Neither are great options but I’d say it’s at least worth some rotation. Miggy is limited but he’s not a disgraceful player or anything. And he arguably combines better with a fullback who can go down the outside.

Great watch.

I get all your points, we probably shouldn’t debate it all again

Long term yeah, but since the takeover I think the decisions are understandable. Miggy and Wilson actually probably didn’t help us by playing so well just at the point they might’ve been booted. That said though, if we’d signed a RW instead of Gordon we’d now be saying how bad our left side is and wondering why we didn’t fix it. It’ll take time to have quality in every position.

Yeah, we were very good but we also still have the propensity to make mistakes and look very tentative when things start going against us. Partly due to having some poor technical players involved, some with bad stamina and just a general lack of confidence I guess. But that will go away soon if keeping playing like we did in that game from the start. Sadly we now have 3 games which we are quite likely to lose, so we might have to just hold our nerves until Forest.

Yeah, personally I think the first half v Brighton was the best we’ve played all season and showed real changes in the attacking combinations etc. There were clear better patterns of attacking play on both sides, Gordon/Hall/Joelinton being particularly good. So it’s a weird time to be having the arguments about Howe not changing things and the midfield not being right etc.

I wouldn’t say it’s baffling, there are various reasons for signing Barnes. We were desperate for goals in the front line, we didn’t know Gordon would become the best LW in the country, probably others. Everything you say is right but I’m just saying the Barnes signing is understandable. RW seems like the priority position because we already filled the other ones and it’s the last outstanding weakness.

Miggy should play if we’re not prepared to move Gordon over. Murphy had his moments but also messes up so many good situations.

Seemed fairly clear he was in a win-win situation, probably why he didn’t force the move. Just wait and get a free transfer to someone with a bonus and double the wages. Easy.

They’ve played 3 games this season, come back when they’ve played at least 10. IMO only Joelinton is vulnerable and we don’t really have anyone better in that position anyway.

Even if that’s true though, it’s not exactly a damning or baffling error. It’s something we can disagree with but it’s not life or death.

Ah right, I’m only really thinking about this season. They need a lot more time. I wouldn't consider games before Tonali’s ban.

Have they really started 7 games together?

Probably 0 if we started Longstaff

We’re putting out the best first team we’ve had for a long time now IMO, only right wing is a weakness. Personally I would just play Miggy since he’s the technically best player and would allow Tino to overlap. But I get that Murphy has had some big moments that probably impressed Howe. Edit: this is if we don’t want to move Gordon.

Looks like the best midfield we’ve had in years FFS. If Tonali gets dropped for Longstaff I really will start doubting Howe. But I’m sure that won’t happen.

Fair point, I just want people to show some sense. Pages discussing changing the manager is IMO embarrassing. I can’t tell anyone what to talk about, I’m just saying how it looks.

But it implies we’re in a position where we’re considering changing the manager. Which is ridiculous IMO. But whatever you want.

The fact we are discussing new managers is silly TBH, absolutely ridiculous behaviour.

Just hope people don't lose their shit (any more than they already have) if we're sitting here off the back of 3 defeats. It's very possible, even if we play well.

Results aren't everything, unless we lose.

He'll definitely leave, just a matter of when. FWIW I would be surprised if we go back for him now. We've had a very painful time in public with this deal, unless things behind the scenes are a lot more cordial than we think (which I'm pretty sure they aren't).

Maybe keep this until he actually does it?

We really need to prepare for a grim couple of weeks and remember not to go mental if we lose the next three games.