AyeDubbleYoo

It's not really the 'benefit of the doubt' though, is it? He's done pretty much an amazing job since he arrived and is about to manage half a Championship team to at least 7th in the PL. If it turns out he's asking half-fit players to do SAS assault courses and participate in an underground fighting ring, I stand corrected.

The whole team is the defence, especially the midfield. With the likes of Longstaff and Miley playing you are always going to be easy to expose.

Yeah, I think we do need a midfielder ideally. Possible someone with good technique and game control who could deputise for Bruno when necessary. If you look at Wharton for Palace, hopefully there are some affordable options out there. Either someone young looking for a break or someone older who is happy to play less minutes. Actually wouldn't mind an older head with some experience coming in. I don't want us to keep Longstaff because I think he actively harms the team, but I expect we will because he's English and a local lad. CM is the most essential position in our system really, we can't afford to be carrying anyone who can't play to the right level.

Oh sure, well it's reasonable to expect a good season if we don't have to deal with the ridiculous events we've had this time around. Any manager is always being assessed, but I asses Howe as being absolutely brilliant so far.

TBH he should have been punted just being such a bottler when he demanded out of the club originally. I guess it wasn't a priority because we just assumed Pope would play every game, but still.

Basing anything on final league position is really idiotic in general, TBF. One goal or one decision can make the difference between getting Europe and not. Howe just needs a bit more quality (and not an injury crisis) and we'll absolutely great next season.

I can see him ending up a CM like Ross Barkley maybe, not too quick or dynamic but with good skill and a decent brain. Don't think it'll be enough to play at the very top but he could still have a good career.

People can go on about Howe being too loyal all they want, but the reality is that he didn't have any choice for most of the season.

It was always a good signing.

I don't think there's a role in any PL team for a really slow attacking midfielder with no technique though, is there? Possibly in the Championship, which I think is Longstaff's level.

Seems fairly typical stats, although usually it's only one big chance.

Such a bright lad, excellent answer under pressure and he must’ve been fuming.

Why does it have to be about hurting himself though? Maybe he’s just not fully ready or fully sharp? I think we can be confident Howe knows Pope is better than Dubravka.

Surely we know there’s a big difference between being unsafe to play and fully fit.

Where we were when?

This too obvious. Look at Longstaff for example, one of our main signings is his replacement. The fact is most of the season there’s been very little meaningful choices to be made.

We didn’t have a good few of them available for most of the season. Or the midfield that protected them. Or the keeper.

I just think VAR should decided if it’s a penalty or not and have nothing to do with what the ref decided.

Joelinton looked very sluggish against Brighton mind. And most people hate Miggy.

They shouldn’t be playing this year.

Never knew you were allowed to trip someone in the box as long as your mate gets the ball. Interesting.

We all do.

The mind boggles.

I think Spurs stadium has everything you need for a great atmosphere though, albeit having only been once.

Don't think we'll sell Murphy or Longstaff.