Gallowgate Toon

Quite weird that we flew a few across the world who aren't in a summer tournament to stay for 3 days.

It's all about pathways innit. This lad is very young for a 'keeper and, if we're in Europe, should see plenty of gametime in a bedding in season. Pope now has a question mark with his shoulder and is getting a bit older but still a good age for a GK - we have a period coming up where we can probably make some decent money on him.

What a waste for such a talented player.

If he can stay fit, he'll be an absolutely fantastic addition to the squad. He's almost perfectly built for the hybrid LCB/LB role when we're more likely to be on the defensive side in matches imo.

Barring injury, Hall will be our main LB next season but I think we'll see some 3 at the back tinkering with Hall pushing up to LWB.

Palace have had about 6 good games  

They have some good players but their hyping because of one good run has been fairly mental imo. 

Ah well, onto the next one. Lots of good operators for this position imo.

Moron.

He's played a lot of full-throttle football over the last couple of years to a very high standard. Personally, I'm sure he stays, but we need to make sure we have enough in the squad to continue to bring out the best in him but, most importantly, protect his fitness.

Sounds like he just needs to sack off JT, since they generally split defensive and offensive coaching 

Not sure how we're going to do it but if we give him the right tools, we'll win something next season and play some bloody good football along the way.

Aye, he's the real deal.

A strange end to a strange season. Some fantastic memories made but not too gutted it's over, it's been very intense. Feels like everyone needs a break.

Hopefully, City batter Man U in the cup. It's not unimportant to finish above another Big 6er either but it's a very small consolation for a season where I thought we'd finally break our duck.

Frustrating to see him back and quickly showing his level. Just shows how important physical presence is in the PL.

We want to have increased technical ability, of course, but the best midfields in the league all have athleticism.

It's actually quite annoying watching Joelinton and Pope back for us. What could have been.

Jk, class to go out with a bang. Let's get at least 5.

Agreed with the Man U sentiments. Really not had any connection with him since the loan.

I genuinely can't remember the last time he put in a good tackle.

What I like most about him is that he takes responsibility on the ball himself. Really, really impressive.

Pope injury aside, I do think the midfield away from home has been our biggest problem. Not enough physicality to grab games, not enough technical ability to help us control pace and build play, but also seemingly awful at winning second balls. All the good things you see away teams coming here and doing we've not been able to do.

I don't think it's a shock when you consider the other mids who've played most have been Longstaff and probably Miley.

I feel like we'd have been able to get around this more with physical players up top who could help us gain territory but only Wilson has the profile for that really.

1 minute ago, Yorkie said:

The only real gripe I had with the lineup was Murphy in there ahead of Barnes, but then he started well and ultimately provided a really good assist. Do feel like we need to get Barnes in there though.

 

I think he probably knows Pope is better than Dubravka so I assume there's good reason for why he went with Dubs.

Aye, same.

Murphy does have good moments in him, his delivery can be excellent, but I find all other attributes of his game are so variable that they can really hinder us in general play. He's not canny with the ball, it's a bit all or nothing depending on his one trick.

This one's going to sting for a while.

The chances we missed ffs.

1 minute ago, Andy said:

Not sure why people turn their nose up at conference. It's a winnable trophy where you don't even need to play a strong team until later on. Would be ideal for the likes of Miley if he doesn't go on loan. 

Yup, it's just about the perfect competition for the state of our current squad.

Feels like we try to be too clever with him and Gordon a la Joelinton/Willock when the mix of attributes isn't the same. Gordon is such a a threat when properly wide as he has options to use his pace. 

Just don't get the tactical decision to start Murphy at all. 

Howe will be kicking himself tonight. We should've gone for it early against a fragile side with a patchwork defence.

Why didn't he chop back, man? 

Thanks for everything, time to go.

Let down by someone of his stars/seniors tonight but he should've made changes earlier as well.

Only Gordon and Hall can come out with any credit tonight.

Knew from the moment Isak didn't score that we'd not win this.

Still too much deadwood and not enough quality as we all know.