Gallowgate Toon

Christ, that's really, really annoying. Was really hoping we'd see some 4-4-2 hybrid against Everton.

Noticed that he roamed far less today as well. Seemed like he'd been instructed to hold position much more, likely due to their threat on the counter.

Today's the type of game where you want him as the '8' and not the sitting midfielder, imo. Puts way too much emphasis on his shoulders to play defensive lynchpin + playmaker. I thought he was absolutely fine and did a job for the team.

Hopefully, that means the plan isn't to start him on Weds.

I don't think Joelinton is fit. Had some very heavy strapping on & movement seemed very laboured.

Botman was absolutely class.

Good result as they've been in good form. Disappointed in the second half management but that's where the quality of the squad is most obvious.

Jo's having a bit of a stinker, like. Seems to be holding onto the ball too much.

Decent. Feel like it mightn't be our day though after the Joelinton miss.

Ffs. Going to be after the world cup when we actually see everyone together. What was Howe's injury record like at Bournemouth?

Good, fair deals are absolutely fine; it's more the stuff that City have been seemingly caught doing when setting up fake companies just to funnel through their riches. That absolutely stinks and I'd hate it if we did the same.

Not a fan of adding a sponsor to the stadium name at all.

His point isn't invalid but he must realise that Liverpool have played a part in it becoming a problem. Not all growth for top clubs has been organic... Football was fucked before state-based ownership came along. Tbh, I don't want to see us become dodgy commercial dealers and ridiculous spenders. I really like what the approach appears to be at the moment.

Cooper has turned a situation around where he was facing the sack incredibly well, like

I think this'll be a tight game. The way they're achieving their current form reminds me a bit of us in the second half of last season - it's not always pretty but pragmatic & effective. Could be a bit of a trap for us to come in and really step up high when they have such threats in behind. One of the best things about Howe though is that he can be tactically flexible and we should hopefully have an even stronger bench than the weekend if Isak and Shelvey can make returns. 2-2.

Personally, I think this is great. I imagine that he's been told he's going to have some serious competition in the coming years but he's still up for the fight. It's up the club to make sure we're not as reliant on him during this period.

I really like some of the tactics accounts out there as they have excellent content but some of the wanky jargon is such a put off. 'socio-affection' ffs.

What a pen.

Oooof.

Helluva finish.

How can we look so toothless and body-less going forward while being so easy to get through?

Generally been in favour of giving Southgate the benefit of the doubt but it really is horrific that he's giving Maguire game time here.

Adam Bartlett promoted to Head of Goalkeeping.

There were quite a few moments on Saturday where he made a run behind or had the option to be played into earlier and we pretty much always hesitated. We seemed very timid in terms of upping the tempo, perhaps fearing a sucker punch too much. Got to hope that's about teammates needing to get used to his movements as well as how to develop a possession game. Either way, I think a short spell as a wide forward is a good way for him to learn about the league and for the rest to better understand his game in a less critical role, without negating his talents as a forward who can drive forward and be effective in & around the box.

Biggest problem for him from the last 2 games is that he was seemingly asked to play like Wilson. Hold position, occupy defenders, scrap for balls, look for gaps in behind etc. Perhaps this is because there's so little faith in our midfield to get forward and make the difference in the box but he just seems like a player you want to drift, find space, and get things going with players moving ahead of or with him. Can't wait to see him and Wilson on the same pitch together, regardless of the seeming lack of ideal formation. Been fucking ages since we've had 2 starters in the same side who know how to score goals.