Gallowgate Toon

Reckon we'd do a loan w/ obligation buy for a versatile striker.

If this is true, we could be signing him to play as a wide playmaker. Quite a big tactic in preseason has been 2 of the midfield 3 overlapping wingers on the outside and the wingers moving in, as well as having support from full backs. Alternatively, he could form that final piece of the midfield 3.

He looks a bit Paqueta-y in stature and playing style

That was really lovely to watch in parts, like. This should be a really fun season - a lot less pressure and a chance to build a style that gets the most out of SJP. Really hope we make a go of a cup this year.

Aye, Murphy just consistently loses the ball.

I really fucking hope Miggy can take this fire into the actual season. He looks like he actually wants to take risks again and it's great.

Preseason and all but we look sharp, lots of nice interchanges and rotation between forward positions.

Anderson definitely has something.

If we were trying to genuinely make an attempt at top 4, having everything lined up before the season starts is more important as the margins are much tighter. As it stands, I think we'll be aiming for top 10 and a cup run, which gives us some leeway to not panic for the start of the season. It also gives us a short window to see how the squad performs in real matches to help steer final recruitment decisions. While it's always ideal to have everyone in early, it's not the be all. Our manager very successfully integrated a number of new players mid-season.

Barnes gets a goal or assist every 155 minutes, on average. He's a massive step up in terms of output. I don't think we can get him anyway but, if we somehow did, it seems like he's better on the left?

A preseason tactic seems to be to get our 2 furthest forward CMs to overlap on the outside of the winger as they look to cut in. I wonder if Howe thinks that gives Anderson more freedom to move forward when we attack and find his own space.

Wilson is reportedly a 'bad' trainer, isn't he? Probs just doesn't give a shit about friendlies other than getting some minutes in the legs.

Interesting that Howe hasn't given him a runout as a wide forward at all yet. Quite a lot of responsibility to put a 19-year-old in central midfield who is more attacking.

He's a young player learning the game who will have some bad/invisible games regardless of the standard. Micro analysing a preseason performance as a barometer of whether he should stay or not isn't the best approach. Howe will take it all into account (probably training more than anything else at this point) and make a well informed decision.

Love a fired up friendly. Sounds like we gave a good account of ourselves against a very decent side.

That's a filthy quote Sounds suspiciously like @Ando7.

I'm still very relaxed about the window but would like to see signings now cause it's fun. We're getting to the point now where things will get moving again as clubs with good players but have cashflow issues will be getting itchy that they can't complete their plans without making some sales. More sensible pricepoints will emerge & we'll do the necessary deals. What has been surprising (actually, not really surprising at all) from some fans on Twitter has been the amnesia about how our forward line looked towards the back end of last season - we were starting to play some really nice stuff along with our improved solidity. Some have gone on like we'll barely be able to win a game with Fraser or Miggy on the right for a few games which is just not true at all. They're capable enough to contribute in the short-term.

His actual direct contributions to minutes is decent despite his inconsistent playing time at Arsenal and he's suited to a counter attacking style which we'll still have to use a lot next season. Having a player capable of bagging 10 a season + some assists from out wide is a good interim step for us. The main question marks would be about his mentality.

Depay would be an absolutely insane upgrade.

I think Pepe could be a good option for us, tbh.

Being patient for the best options is probably the smartest thing to do (although, it bears some risk...) but it's a bit frustrating as we see decent deals being done by others. I just hope we don't miss out on good youth while we're waiting to see how the market opens up for us for more senior options.

Interesting post match from Howe talking about how they're now starting to focus on final third play in training after focusing on building possession (and fitness) so far.

Murphy and Fraser have been absolutely tragic today. Feels like we've been sent out to work on possession as a team more than anything. Lots of safe passing and resetting the play. Very little risk taking, a couple of moments aside. Good workout against a well drilled team playing deep - it's preseason, after all.

Nice from Anderson.