thorin

Looks like Tonali only did some easy warm-up during pre-season, he was so way off I didn't imagine him starting today. What a lad!

You think Forest looked that decent today, that it would be too difficult?

Let's just blame first game of the season to start off with and see how it goes. I'm missing a systematic pressing, cutting of angles and whatnot. 2 ppl running the same guy. A defending flat 5 in the midfield watching a through pass. Think it was better last season tbh. I had hoped we would evolve into something decent, can't keep blaming the players there. Pope hoofed the ball more than Dubravka tbh.

I'm sad the system still looks like Bruces gung-ho attacking/defending... looked like a pre-season match tbh, hopefully combinations will get better (not sure why as pre-season is finished).

True, same. The feeling when watching a match nowadays is so completely different. My bad, seems people take everything I say literally and not able to interpret between the lines. Luckily it seems not everyone are

It's not like we're actively trying to set them, I was interpreting his reply to the backline not needing any pace as we could just push up into an OT. But I can recall several times where not even the CBs are on the same line, even tho we have more problems with our backs following the line or following the attacker behind the line. Coulda shoulda woulda formulated differently most likely.

True, but any offside traps we've tried setting has not worked. It's been all of them really. I mean, sure it can be harsh, and I might be a couple of steps further as we're aiming to go for Europe. However, when you start pushing that line further up the field we're gonna have serious issues. Let's not forget that we've been somewhat lucky too, imho. If it's because of the combination play of having so big gaps since we were still focused on the defence I'm not sure, but there are definitively matches were I've been thinking "oh no, not this again" and just waited for a goal against, however it never popped as we've been lucky.

You play too much FIFA/FM brohan, he he. Our line has been shit unfortunately. Well, it became better after Burn, but it's not working :P

Forgot the CB with pace, Howe wants a higher line. We're doomed if we go with the pace we have now to the midline.

That's all your interpretation, I just mentioned the process and Wood in the same post. Adding to the "process" right now is the fact we seemingly want Ashworth in right away, which might be the reason for holding out on players signing for other clubs.

It's nothing new here tho., if you look at all the big teams it's the same. RM and Barca overpays regularly to get the players they want, just how the machine runs. PSG, City, Utd (who else would have paid 80 for Maguire?) etc. But of course it might have helped going another route, only time will tell if Ashworth is able to. However I think the price basically remains the same, but the approach and valuation will be different. So when one rely on the valuation of a player it suddenly makes sense to pay what they ask for.

Have no idea whether or not you're referring to me, as I haven't mentioned anything from Jan. besides Wood. If people in here thinks that paying £25 mill and what looks to be at the top of our alleged salary cap. was a GOOD or the BEST buy we could, you're more delusional than me - stating the fact.

Love it! Ain't nuttin like an omelette. And would take the budget to what looks like 3 windows ...AND there's no pace with Botman, only ball playing class. Still need a CB and DM with pace to cover.

So we're trusting the process which will leave us with Wood up top again, are we? Still amazed people don't understand how the market works, even if we bid the same amount as Villa, Sevilla might have declined... Fact is however, we need more than what we most likely are able to fill with the rumoured cash available, unless they get a Saudi club to buy someone for inflated prices!

Let's hope, but I'm not sure anymore. We need increased pace in the backline if Howe is to be able to lift that line without us getting trashed. Does it seem to have bothered Villains you think, or anyone else signing and announcing new players...