Gallowgate Toon

Gutted for him. This run of games was where he was going to break his duck to settle him down for unleashing next season.

Next season will be his. For now, it's all just about getting him ready.

Ritchie seems to be incapable of playing a first time ball.

They were simply far more up for it. We were slack off the ball - they seemed to hoover up second balls. Clever play by Pellegrini to continually overload the wing backs.

I thought he was fine and opened up space with some lovely moves. Nowhere near worst performer.

Already sick of players not quickly pinging a ball over when he makes a run in behind.

OK.

In the away end for the first time in a long time for this. Can't wait, tbh. 2-1 win to us. I think this'll be the first showing of our new counter attacking prowess. Almiron to get his first.

Saying he has pace is a bit of a disservice, tbh. His intelligence & movement is fantastic - the fact he's rapid is a massive added bonus, obviously!

Really solid performance by Almiron. Can't wait to see him play again on Saturday.

Good half. We do look terrifically balanced, atm.

Lovely. Fucking pride, eh?

Fucking hell

What would everyone class as a successful contribution from him for the rest of the season? Seeing as he's taken Atsu's spot (I like him but he's directly contributed 0 to our goal tally this season), even a fairly modest tally of a couple of goals and assists would be a massive improvement for the team. It sounds like finishing is the weakest part of his game, so I don't expect him to score many for the time being. His ability to create chances for Perez & Rondon, 2 very decent finishers who need good service, is what's most important.

Ben Arfa and Tiote full debuts need to be in there.

Loved the tactics against 10 men - loads of width, stretched them out, incisive runs and passes back inside. It’s much easier to create a good defence, imo, but a foundation is so important to build an attack on. Yesterday felt like we had the tactical balance he loves.

Mega impressed with his movement off the ball - Schar had about 5 good opportunities to hit the diag. If only that fucking lob had gone in, man.

Once his baby hits a regular sleeping pattern, he'll be back to his best.

I thought Cabella could've made it here after some really good performances in the second half of that season, but he as a completely different type of athlete to Almiron. He was a nimble, agile player with pretty average pace (a no.10, basically). Almiron is slight, aye, but looks absolutely rapid in terms of both acceleration and top speed.

Barecca with an outsider.

Good play from Yedlin, like.

Good stuff.

Looks an incisive player which will make his transition a lot easier - passed and moved quickly rather than wasting any time making a decision. I saw there was a mention of him hitting the gym to adapt to the physicality but I really hope that's not the case. He's quick and agile, I'd rather he kept those in peak instead of putting on unneeded muscle.

Kun was a far better all-rounder in his early 20s, imo. Displayed some splendid vision and dribbling ability at Atletico. Has honed his game into a pure goalscoring one over the last 5 years.

Got to look at this as a good point against an in-form team, in the long run.