Gallowgate Toon

Could go to a 4-5-1 for a Brazilian double pivot too with Isak buzzing in and around Wilson but effectively operating as a second striker. I'm not sure we'll deviate from the midfield 3 though.

Going to be pretty fascinating to see how Howe deals with it. Merits for sticking with 4-3-3 but also options to go some form of 3-5-2 or 4-4-2, tbh. Nice to have the options in-game. The answer for Fulham is 4-3-3 with Isak taking the LW position, imo. The worry with Isak out wide is the defensive side of the game but Joelinton does all that covering for Maxi anyway normally. It'd be pretty like-for-like but you'd expect Isak to tuck Infield more than ASM and generally be more of a direct threat to goal and a fantastic counter option. Once they're all fit, I think we'll first try putting all 3 in the front 3 but perhaps shift the midfield behind them a bit to compensate for defensive structure. If everyone's fit, might be something more like: Shelvey Bruno Joelinton Isak Wilson ASM Bruno covers defensive space way better than Willock. With Isak as wide forward, there's less need for a midfielder to be consistently driving into the box on that side. Trippier provides the real width anyway. Worry here is that Shelvey still isn't very good defensively, despite his improved performances.

He's a proper counter attacking player. Doesn't have the skill or acceleration to get things turned against a deeper side. Frustratingly, Almiron shows flashes of this but then refuses to use his right foot.

Watching some of the game back and this lad was involved in the best moments when moving away from his central spot. Praying Wilson is back for Fulham so we can get Isak in a freer role. Seems like the type of player you want getting touches as much as possible.

I'll never understand why a grown adult boos, tbh. Just a weird behaviour.

Totally agree with this, even if Wood is crap. Isak is too talented a footballer to have him barely in the game.

Things change very quickly in football, as obvious as that sounds. A few wins and suddenly everything feels different. If we're 10th+ by the time January rolls around then I'll feel confident we can properly have a go for 7th with a good window behind us.

It's not exactly clear what the short term options are for this sort of game. I actually don't think we lack bodies in the box very often but movement isn't great. Ergo, I don't think chucking more forward makes sense. Joelinton and Willock show willing in the box so inconsistently. Botman starting could help a bit with his ability to play from the back and set pieces. Bruno going further forward might help but he's only had one bit of goalscoring form in his career. Same could be said for Willock mind... Again, it doesn't feel clear-cut difference for me. I actually think Bruno is a great option deeper when we have more of the ball. Shelvey is prone to overplaying it and leaving us open. Swapping wingers definitely would be beneficial to better delivery, even if just for periods of the game. Lots of focus on missing ASM yesterday but he's often flattered to deceive against weaker sides. Obviously, he's still a much better option than Fraser. I actually think Wilson is the bigger miss. Of course, he has the ability to win battles and nick goals but I think having him and Isak on the pitch is a must for a match like that to open up more space centrally. I'm just not sure on how to best fit them together. 442? 352? 433?

He's learning about the team and the league. Still, I'd like him to impose himself a bit more on others to get what he needs from games. No point being passive. Quality pen, like.

Probably his strongest post match comments today. I'm a bit worried he's trying to model us like a proper possession side - that just doesn't sit right in terms of who we are, imo, even if we had the squad we wanted.

I respect what he's trying to do in building the side with possession but it just feels we're not quite there yet, personnel-wise. I feel like we're going to pick up more wins before the WC break away from home. Be interesting to see if he mixes things up if Wilson is back before Maxi. 44fkin2?

Deep defending sides are our kryptonite and have been for a long time. We're a team in transition, trying to find a new way of playing while still having some fairly rubbish players on our books, unfortunately. A bit cliché but a few things just aren't going out way either. Howe will need to make some adjustments in the short-term but the mission for the next few months is to keep building the platform for the team he wants while staying in touch with the top half ready for an assault during the second half of the season.

Main thing that'll stop City this season will be Haaland getting injured. However, he has to do so little to get goals in this side he may well just coast through the entire year.

Did the rugger wait for the PL to announce first? Clever move, if so.

That's one of the best NUFC things I've read in absolutely ages, tbh. Brilliant.

Good for Potter - hope it works out for him. Work with a few Brighton fans and their opinions make me think he's a bit overrated. He's obviously a good manager though.

Poch incoming.

This'll be a toughie as they have some good players but do seem a little impotent at the moment. If Bruno plays, I'll feel a lot more confident we can win the midfield battle.

Watched this back after the red mist evaporated and we were better than I remember. Still gutted we didn't pick up the win, even without Bruno and Maxi.

Apparently, our shots per game and shots on target per game this season have been the highest since Bobby. This hasn't translated into goals but still a good fundamental considering how defensively sound we generally are.

I like him but he was borderline cowardly on the ball today. Joelinton puts him to shame.

It's just boring now. They're so fucking shit.

Aye, this lad absolutely has something. Hopefully, he displaces Willock over the next few matches.

Feel really angry about that match, more than I normally would. We looked well coached but ultimately not good enough going forward. I thought midfield was where we lost the key battle. Joelinton was great, Longstaff had moments but was far too slow and safe most of the time, Willock was generally fucking wank - far, far, far too passive considering all the talents he has. The massive Bruno-shaped hole was telling, missing someone who gets things moving and takes risks. Learning curve for Isak as well. Had flashes of quality but I felt he didn't try to get on the ball enough and influence the game. Atmosphere was absolutely crap. Whole thing felt flat bar some charged moments based on refereeing decisions.

Fuming at that finish, tbh. They marshalled space well but I don't think he did enough to get into the game.