Gallowgate Toon

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.

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.