alexf

Hope he didn't pull a hammy or anything towards the end of the game.

Man u fixtures look favourable and ours look tricky on paper. But hopefully we just take care of our own business and hope our rivals mess up. West ham looked poor when I watched them yesterday. Obviously it was a nervy six pointer for them and they maybe be more relaxed against us. But if we get the first goal I think we win comfortably. Brentford and villa away will be tough and I guess draws wouldn't be terrible but then we have a must win against spurs.

Some outrageous touches. Lovely player. I'm glad we didn't sub him when they were saying we will planning too. Vital contribution to that first goal.

That linesman down that side has been a joke. Some blatant Liverpool offsides and everytime he just let's play on for ages.

That's an excellent goal. Grealish has been consistently good everytime I've seen him this year to be fair.

Surprised you left out the £50m AWB aswell considering his cup final performance. If ASM is fit I'd be starting AWB if I were Man u.

Fuck me, Maguire for that goal. Gives the ball away, fouls, then turns like a tanker and is out of position for a goal ?

He plays like someone nervous that if he opens up fully his hamstring will go. People like dyer and Owen had the same issue for years. I think it's really difficult if you are an explosive player like him and are scared to run full speed in fear of getting injured. Even when it looks like he's not going 100% he is still picking up the odd strain here and there aswell. However the last few times he's looked most useful have actually been when he plays central. Liverpool after the red and Forrest before the goal. He seems to come alive abit more with his movement. Hopefully something Howe might explore. Also negates his defensive weaknesses a little aswell by him not being on the wing.

He always had the attributes in terms of his speed and his crossing and shooting ability. But always seemed to lack the self confidence and belief. But he was a real outlet last night. So much so I was going mad when Howe took him off for Ritchie. However that might have more to do with knowing Ritchie would contribute fuck all. But hope he keeps his confidence up because there are few players faster than him when he plays with conviction and he has an excellent cross/shot on him at times.

So we have lost 4 first teamers and they have got their best player back. Excellent ?

The thing with Liverpool, even though there fixtures look bad, they actually seem to play better against the "bigger" teams. So wouldn't be shocked if they picked up a lot of points from that run. Doesn't matter though. We just need to hit a run ourselves now to give us any kind of chance. Still think spurs will continue to pick up enough wins unless Kane gets injured.

I think he undoubtedly has lost some pace after some of his injuries. I think when he is up against faster players, Semedo today, Wan-Bissaka in the cup final, he looks alittle shy to take them on.

Bruce was stealing a living.

I think that is bit unfair. That was like when certain teams fans were saying the same about us first half of the season. They are where they are on merit as were we. They have recruited good players and have a style of play that causes teams problems.

Stand by thinking he got the team wrong today. They were clinical, we were wasteful. Sounds familiar. We can't seem to score a goal to save our lives anymore.

Would love to see a triple sub if Willock, Isak and ASM for Almiron, Wilson and Longstaff.

That city line up looks so strong. I think the reason I'd want Isak and ASM was just to offer something of a threat. Attack the best form of defense type thing. But maybe Howe is right we will need to run our bollocks off just to stay in this game and perhaps fresh legs 2nd half if we are still in the game could be the tactic.

Ugh. Feels like Howe has gone the opposite to what most were expecting. Either he truly thinks this is the better line up, or he's not bothered about this game and saving for the next one. But I can't see how you look at the last few games and decide ASM and Isak should be benched for Wilson and Almiron. Unless the tactic is to frustrate for 60+ mins and then go for it with subs. But in Eddie I trust and I'm sure he knows best.

Spokes ?

I think the statement made about separation when this went through was always bullshit and wouldn't stand up to any scrutiny. However it seems the Saudi's and premier League are on the same page now and would be shocked if the PL had the gumption to go back on their decision. It's not really in their interest to.

This game will likely force us into playing counter attack, which may be a better tactic currently with the players we have available and our press no longer being as effective.

Bruno possibly missing the next game with possible injury and then Joelinton bound to pick up a yellow Vs Man City and be out for two games. So we're going to have to find ways to win when missing key players.

Just checked on that transfermarkt website and since the start of last season, they have spent about €115m more it seems in transfer fees and recouped less. Our spend was €270 and there's was €385 according to that site. As you say, with a much stronger starting position aswell and not to mention there will be a vast difference in terms of wages also. Helps to pick up players like Erikson on a free and Sabitzer on loan. So yeah we have a way to go to catch up as you said. Currently we need to be on top form and have all of of our key players available to compete with the teams we want to be long term. Yesterday we had neither. We had out of form players (Wilson, Almiron etc) and players missing like Pope and half fit Willock and dare say Targett would be first choice left back once health again.

I liked his self confidence. The first thing he did when he came on was take on Rashford for pace. Not many players would back themselves to do that.

Yeah AWB is one of the best 1v1 defenders in the world. He's rapid and has that great hook tackle even if you get past him. ASM was still our liveliest player and to his credit was still trying but you could still he knew he couldn't go on the outside of AWB and it effected him. At this point we should have looked to move him around. Popped him more central or try him on the right as Almiron did nothin against Shaw.