Gallowgate Toon

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.

I was actually surprised at how emotional his celebration was. He does come across as someone barely fazed by anything.

If one of Bruno or ASM is back for this then that's a massive bonus. If they both pass the late fitness test...

It depends on how this season goes, I guess, but I can't see us keeping Wilson next year. He seems pretty 'alpha' so I can't imagine he'd agree to a rotation role under the proviso of injury protection. Maybe if we get into Europe he'd stick around for that?

That feels a lot more sensationalised than he actually said it. This is going to trigger a lot of journalists today

Big few hours ahead from 3pm on Saturday.

Really wish he was a few years younger as I think he'd have been a brilliant defensive partner for Botman, despite his inconsistency on the ball.

We'd have needed to sign someone like Burn anyway. Clarke was way past it and needed to go. Fede getting older & seemingly struggling to stay fit. Dummett can be useful cover but is available for about 50% of a season.

I'm glad this is over, like. The window is way too long.

He shares some attributes with Wilson but they seem to have vastly different styles - I think they'll ultimately be able to play together from an attacking perspective. Wilson is like a traditional hybrid striker/CF. Often sticks to the central spaces of the pitch to find gaps to get in behind, he likes getting into battles with centre halves, and is adept at linking up but really only to progress play for attacks quickly. Isak seems to be a player who roams for space and likes to get the ball in front of defence as much as trying to get in behind to help build. If we think less about Isak playing RW and him being able to buzz around & off Wilson, typically in central and right areas, then I think that could work. If the midfield stays as it is, I think this will naturally push Willock out wider as well, similar to how Joelinton often overlaps Maxi and he moves in. Howe also might go for some sort of 4-4-fucking-2 hybrid as well but can't see that happening as having a midfield 3 is pretty imperative to our defensive structure.

Maddison and, depending on how Watford's campaign is going, JP. Got a feeling Leicester are going to replace Rodgers with an absolute div and JMadz will be hating life by the turn of the year.

8. One more addition of quality would've made it 10, a stop gap loan a 9. It's been fucking great, though. Botman and Isak now play for us, man. Some of the brightest talents in Europe FFS.

Window opens back up again in 13 matches.

I think Pope might be the signing of the summer, btw he's absolutely fucking quality for the price we got him for.

The squad is always going to need more players or have higher priorities. It's going to be incredibly rare we ever go into a window without needing something else. I also think we'll look to keep building incrementally in January too so this isn't really our lot for the season per se. If we can keep Bruno, ASM, Wilson & Maxi fit for a good chunk between now and the WC then I think we'll be in a very good position to keep momentum during Jan.

There's actual video evidence he's very quick but he doesn't seem the type to bomb around at full pelt all the time.

Moura's really versatile, is solid in general play, works hard, and does have generally decent output. Averaged a goal or assist every 2.5 games for Spurs. Would be a fantastic option for the squad.