alexf

Yeah not one attacking change we can make from the bench is difficult.

I think based off of Isak and Wilson's injury record this season, a new striker who can play across the front line if needed, would be more essential than a midfielder. If we can afford both, great.

For the 100m Brentford want? No thanks.

Ben Mee is a fucking idiot. Was no need for that tackle at all. Brentford looked good defensively and seemed like they were going to see this out. Now Villa are gonna win. Ugh.

How is he complaining that they were the same? One is his player stopping a dangerous counter attack. The other is his player getting pulled going back towards his own goal in his own half. Guy is a clown.

That turn of pace is such an asset. The way he burnt past someone in the 2nd half to get into the box was really exciting. Seems to be growing in confidence with his attacking play.

Well played Krafty. Makes me think in certain easier home games we could rotate Tripps abit more or perhaps atleast sub him if we are winning. Obviously Tino would play there ahead of him still but Tino is so good compared to our other left backs that we can't really move him.

I'd completely forgotten about those forward passes. In my mind with how long he's been out, it was always Schar playing them but man he makes a huge difference. Really hope he stays fit now for the remainder. Was good to be able to ease him back in. Wonder if he's fit enough to come in against Chelsea or if hey hold him back abit longer.

That was quite an impressive 2nd half showing. Almost like he took it upon himself to ensure the result. Which is what all the top players do.

Just cannot see a win today. They have decent players throughout the team who are in-form and considerably fresher and well-rested compared with ours. Would take a real top performance from us today I feel and would need someone like Isak to return to form.

Can see another defeat here unfortunately. They will be fresh and in great form. We look out on our feet. No Trippier and couple more walking wounded potentially tonight.

Phillips I have only seen start twice this season, once away to us and once for England. Both times he looked miles off it physically. Obviously his fitness and sharpness could be improved but how long would it take and would we see the benefit of that before the season ends? Also he used to have bad injuries problems towards end of his time at Leeds. Feels highly likely that once he is playing week in week out, especially if he was being asked to play Howe's intense press, his body may let him down again. Feels like there maybe would be better options out there for short term til the summer but wait and see. It's likely lazy made up journalism anyways.

That Fulham home game is no longer looking like a break from the tough fixtures. Neither is Luton away. Small things in seasons can make a massive difference to your final placing. Like for example if we had played those fixtures earlier in the season, when both were really struggling and we had fresh legs, they would be as close to a sure 3 points as you could ask. Same as Villa got to play Man City when they were out of form and missing key players for example. You just know when we play them they will have a fresh fully fit De Bruyne among others. Hopefully we can get some momentum back later in the season.

It must be what alot of clubs felt watching us last season. If it didn't directly potentially impact on our success I would probably be enjoying Villa disrupting the top 4 like we were. Just feels frustrating that , but for injuries, we would be in amongst it still.

Ugh the choice between Liverpool and Arsenal if Man city don't turn it around. Maybe I need to rethink wanting Villa to lose each week for selfish Newcastle reasons and actually want Villa to smash Arsenal today.

Just flicked over to SSN and all I heard in the headlines was "Former Newcastle midfield Joey Barton...." It's the Nile Ranger thing again ? Why do shitty people who so happened to play for Newcastle, among many other clubs and have more appearances for other teams, get forever associated with us whenever they are in the headlines for something negative.

I think many are assuming or hoping once players come back they are gonna stay fit in the 2nd half of the season and we can catch up any lost ground. Unfortunately it's just as likely players like Isak, Wilson, Willock will continue to pick up knocks. We are also lucky that some other crucial players like Bruno, Trippier, Schar and Gordon haven't picked up any issues so far. If we drop out of Europe or any of the cups then I guess the schedule will ease. But unfortunately this whole season is probably going to be a real strain on squad resources.

I mean it was never a penalty for Chelsea and another poor VAR. But in one breath he says "the games being ruined" and then when the handball gets given, he's crying that it has to be reviewed. Which one is it Pearce? Do u want var or not??

Have no doubt we could do that back end of the season if our squad is healthy and if our schedule has eased slightly. Just hope it's not too little too late. Abit like when Liverpool did it last season chasing us down but we built up too much of a head start earlier in the season.

Of those that are due back soon, in no particular order: Botman Willock Longstaff Wilson Barnes You could argue, these 5, rank highest on priority and importance to get back anyways. So would be massive to get some or all of those back by January. Perhaps Murphy would be up there too in terms of allowing us to rotate Miggy, but Barnes will help give us that rotation ability in wide areas.

Was a shocking decision. Only thing I could think of was if Grealish had been miles offside but he was clearly on. Either corrupt reffing or complete brain malfunction. Just made zero sense for him to blow when he did.

All these points add up. I know it's early but could really do with the likes of Spurs and Villa not picking up late draws etc. Beat Everton and it's not too bad, but it's always going to feel like we can't afford to drop points all season because we're in a 7/8 team race for that 4th/5th. Which leads to things like that idiot having a go at Trippier at Bournemouth when we inevitably lose the odd game.

Bit worried Villa are gonna beat these midweek. After scrapping a late draw today aswell. Could really do with them dropping more points if we are to challenge them for that 4th or 5th.

He was definitely an attacking player in his younger years before turning pro surely? ? So comfortable on the ball in attacking third. His performance was top notch, but was actually surprised he didn't ping one in the top corner tonight. Considering how good his shots often are. Had quite a few nice opportunities he made for himself but the composure was lacking.

In the build up to this game I'd been hoping that Mainoo was gonna start. There had been abit of over hype it seemed and no ill will to the lad at all, but I knew our Brazilians would bully their midfield. And so it proved and was always going to be key to winning this game. Always had faith Miley was gonna outshine him aswell.