Gallowgate Toon

It wasn't just his passing that was good today, tbf. He'll never be the quickest but he's got a neat turn in him and enough of a stride to drive forward from it. He's looking more complete with his play.

Their fans seem to like him a lot. Sounds very much like a target man. As long as we have the goals from midfield or he's partnered with someone decent, he could be really useful during the year.

He was too close to the 'keeper for it to be a block. It was a late foul and you see yellows for that all the time. They created one chance of note when it actually mattered. They were in no way, shape or form unlucky. We should've been 2 up at half time.

He's got much nicer technique on the ball, IMO. Seems to have much control in tight spots. Not as explosive an athlete but I don't think we quite need that so much. Reckon he's got more of an eye for a pass too.

He's the most talented central midfielder in the division, IMO. Should be absolutely pissing it.

Fine as a 3rd choice stand-in/filler but should be no more than that.

They were also the division's joint top scorers in 15/16 too.

They were unbeaten in the league (obvs not playoffs) since Feb, apparently

You can see improvements each week.

Best thing about the last couple of games has been the commitment from the players to do the shitty work well.

Didn't even get out of second gear. We're getting better at managing games, like. Reckon we'll be looking great in a couple of weeks.

Colback is terrifyingly predictable

Should be stamping our authority a bit better than this, like. Fuck them for the red card too, they've been cheating shits all game.

What in the absolute fuck was that?

Reckon Yedlin will come on as a winger after 70 mins.

Comfy as, tbh. We'll do these on the break in the second.

Ref is soft as fuck.

MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL?!?!?!?!?!

Team is good enough to win. 2-1.

Class. Think he's going to be great at this level. Probably got one of the world's best defensive coaches to work with him too, as long as he wants to learn.

Some of the reactions to signings have been pretty embarrassing, tbh. The suggestion that Rafa is behind them but not happy is even worse. There would always be an element of transition and short-term buys. I'm happy we're building a squad.

Really excited for this lad, based off 5 minutes of YouTube

I'm fine with this. Its purpose is clear. We've bought some solid players - Clark and Murphy are the most underwhelming, yeah, but we are where we are and have solidified our squad as the best in the division now, imo. Just a winger short from clearly having the best first XI.

Left back, 2 wingers and a striker are what we really need. A CM would also be good but not an absolute necessity, IMO. Good wingers and strikers will see you cutting through most sides in this division. Especially when Benitez likes his wide midfielders to come inside and act as pushed up CMs.

He's going to be lethal with Ritchie, like.