Gallowgate Toon

It looked like we opted to try and keep shape more than anything else, which is pretty understandable for such a long stint with 10.

For anyone slamming Howe for playing Clarke & Ritchie, this works both ways. I never wanted to see Shelvey again after his sending off, and we'd all seen how pathetic Joelinton had been for pretty much his entire time here before the last couple of games. Lewis had never had a solitary good performance for us that I can remember; he always looked like a 15-year old playing against men. This is what happens when someone new comes in. They have ideas and beliefs some of which will be proven wrong but you expect they'll learn from quickly. Even world class managers need this time to figure things out - see Conte.

Quite looking forward to this. Expect we'll go for it with a no fear attitude and it'll be a goal fest. 0-4.

I didn't think CM was the problem today, like. They were stretching us down flanks very well.

I'm pretty certain we played 4-4-2 in the first half, like. We then switched to 343 when Murphy and Almiron came on. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but feels like we should've been from the off at a team rocked last week. Thought the subs were too delayed as well when it was obvious things hadn't changed 10 mins past half time. Didn't expect anything from this one really so hasn't changed my mind much.

Need to change shape and personnel.

Think we need to get to 3 up top somehow in the second half. Getting dominated physically by their CBs.

Feeling optimistic as for this Reality is we'll probably have a go, actually score and play some good football, but be undone on the break a few times.

Just takes small margins. Norwich went 10 games and have now won 2 on the bounce... Form can quickly change. I'd say I'm a 5/6 at the moment.

That was class in so many ways. We looked much better going forward but some brainless moments. Thought they were poor in the second half and we deserved it from there, but that's not the way it works obvs. Atmosphere was brilliant as well. Was bursting with pride on a few occasions. The change in performances was more stark than I was expecting.

I'm fine to clean slate it. Come on!

I was gutted about this and still am, but I'm confident that the actual preparation has been done to go and win the game tomorrow. Really looking forward to seeing how we play.

Been excited for this for about a week, ffs. Can't wait for the pre-match buzz.

Feels like the next Josh King... I think if he's going to be successful in a certain position for us then it's going to be out wide. It's where he has the best physical advantage.

To be fair, we massively need one. Dubs is great but has a patchy fitness record. Everybody else is tragic.

The type of football he plays, you'd think Brentford would be just about as perfect a first game as possible. Not a great side, on a bit of a downward turn of form etc. Get the players up-for-it and out the traps early with the crowd bouncing. I'm most excited to see how transformative even just a couple of weeks might be for our attacking play.

I feel way more excited watching that than the vast majority of our games The standing still comment is absolutely perfect. I really, really hope he does well here (feeling more confident that he'll be great now).

Weren't most of his defenders picked up in League 1&2?

He isn't our best player, like. Most talented, yes, but Wilson is currently a level above everyone else in terms of what he brings to the side.

Yes! Looking forward to the first interview.

In the short-term, part of me wondered if the diamond could do with a return, but it requires us to go a bit too kamikaze with our full backs imo. The main things I can see as issues are that we need to sort CM as best we can, get ASM into his correct position (LW), and get our left back situation sorted ASAP. Dubs Lewis Fede Lascelles Manquillo Fraser Hayden Willock ASM Almiron Wilson I'm pretty sure Lewis is actually right footed. If he's going to play he's going to need protection from the winger (if Fraser can get committed), but I just can't stomach seeing Ritchie as a full back anymore - it's absolutely killing us. ASM absolutely should be playing on the left but Manquillo is the only full back we have that can play behind him until Dummett is back. It's dysfunctional but I think this is just about as good as it can get for us currently. Would be up for subbing in Jo for Fraser. Would love to have Schar in but I'm not convinced about him in a back 4.

Honestly think Almiron will be the biggest beneficiary of Howe's coaching and philosophy. Judging by the videos, Howe loves wide players with loads of energy back and forward. Miggy can be that guy on the left (still think he's best as a 10). Almiron has been without a plan for a long time now. Told to just get back and run around a bit and you can really tell. Sometimes, his talent shines through like Man U away, but there's so little structure for him to do that consistently.

Shown up by Jonesy

Honestly, that was just a must not lose. Between now and January is primarily about staying with reasonable distance, imo, with a big transfer window to see safety through.