Lotus

He could try a bit of give and go. But for that to happen, someone would have to get closer to him…

Haven’t watched the analysis but is that a little unfair? He didn’t lose him, as in he didn’t know where he was. Just when the ball fell to Paqueta (whose 1st touch was good) Trippier closed him down but unfortunately the ball went through him. Maybe I’m defending Trippier too much but I did think there was a strong element of luck about their goal.

Apart from that first fantastic shot I don’t think he did much to impose himself on the game. He looked rushed in the middle. Didn’t really seem to have a handle on what was around him.

You don’t really want your FB needing to helped out by your winger for one on one’s, like…

Would think a lot of adrenaline running through him today. Will get a better understanding of his game when he’s started 3 or 4 games.

I thought Longstaff was comfortably our best midfield passer of the ball today. He has quite crisp technique with his passing.

Can’t wait for Targett to be fit.

Don’t think that’s a good idea. ASM needs games to get his sharpness.

Rice was brilliant btw. Read the game like no one else on the pitch.

Teams have seen the ‘Almiron’ move. They anticipate it. He needs something new. I think ASM needs games. He’s out of rhythm. I’d still start him.

Our intensity has dropped off. Not a lot but by a significant enough amount so teams can play around our press. We had a very good first 10 minutes when WHam just seemed cold. We had a decent last 10-15 as WHam looked to consolidate a point. For the rest of the game I thought they were the better team (marginally) and we’re a bit fortunate to get a point. We’re quite laboured, predictable and move the ball slowly. Personally, I think the players are knackered. I think our mad press system, coupled with a weak squad and little rotation means the fizz has gone from the legs. Its been apparent for a few weeks now.

I think Isak floating and Wilson pinning the CBs will hugely help us mitigate the loss of Bruno. Changes our shape quite a bit but would offer something serious in attack. Its the he defending aspect that would need work. We have an excellent shape that we’ve been crafting all season. Have to deviate from that with Bruno’s absence.

If we actually employed a bit of rotation then, if we get European football next season, there’s more than enough games for Gordon, Miggy and ASM.

I think Willock is quite press resistant, myself. If he’s facing up to the opposition player I think it’s hard for them to force him into giving it away.

Its been an odd window for me. We've an injury prone main CF (Wilson) and another coming back from long term injury (Isak). Wood was the cover, he's gone. I haven't seen anyone else in the squad play that role in any way that can pass for a couple of games. ASM, definitely not. JL7? Well, he seems better adapted to CM now. He can do AM but I don't even think he's much cop holding the ball up with his back to goal tbh. Never seen Gordon play for us so can't really count him, and as I understand it, he didn't score a few from CF for Everton either. I do like Gordon and have done since I first saw him. Thought he had potential. He hasn't got any better since but hopefully there's room to grow there. He has the necessary physicality. At CM I think it's been poor. We have 4 players for 3 positions. We play super high intensity and EH is not a fan of rotation. Sooner or later one of those players has to get injured or just fatigued. The 4th won't be fresh either because he's been playing a LW. It makes the decision to let Shelvey go without a replacement in first (or at all asa it turned out) bad planning. Because now it relies on luck more than normal. Before people have a go at Shelvey, I thought he looked our best option at 6 last season. Think he was better there than Bruno. This year I can't compare because Shelvey hasn't been available. Bruno has been great though and has looked better than I can remember any of our lot doing! But it does tell me at least that Shelvey could've slotted in and done a job. You need to be lucky anyway, and we have been. But trusting that to hold all season is inviting trouble. Red cards you can't plan around. That happens. 5/10

Hope he got his stuff together. Seemed to go through a hard time, unfortunately.

Gotta be Reid Ewing?

When I first saw Gordon I said I thought he looked impressive for his age. I liked his attitude, he wasn’t overwhelmed at all. Thought he had pretty good close control. Worked hard off the ball. Watching the videos now, he’s actually quicker than I thought. He’s got a lot going for him. In the age of ‘wunderkids’ 21 and not a global star seems like he’s gonna be bang average. I think that’s unfair. Players do develop at differentiation rates. I think the episode with Trippier has tainted him a bit

It’s a fair point tbh. We all love what we’re doing without the ball. It’s the other side of the game that needs improvement. I’ve no doubt there’s a plan for that and perhaps some of us are a little impatient to see the progress. Perhaps it will be with careful coaching which may take a bit of time. Perhaps it will be new signings. The signings we need are more likely to be available in the Summer. Maybe we’re just going for BPA in January.

Yeah, he’s a bit moody sometimes but, so am I!

Dunno what they base it on. Seemed to me the other players like him.

Do you mean from within the club or just posters speculating on here?

Do they? I mean, he’s in the dressing room and the atmosphere around the club seems great!

If he signs, you’ll have to judge him based on his performances in a Toon shirt.