McCormick

Noticed that too. He was also the first person that Lascelles ran to when he forced that Everton OG. Think with him in the back 4 it gives Lascelles a bit of guidance, composure and improved positional awareness that he’s been lacking since Lejeune partnered him.

Alex Neil is actually a decent coach, especially for that level.

I’m in two minds about his team selections for this game. On the one hand it seems harsh (and possibly detrimental to team harmony) to drop players from a team that’s won 2 games on the bounce. On the other, I don’t agree with waiting until a player fucks up to replace them in the team when seemingly superior options are available. It’s a tricky one; just have to hope Bruno has a few storming training sessions to justify dropping one of Shelvey or Willock.

Had the misfortune of seeing him in a Newcastle hotel lobby a few years ago; was kicking off because they told him he couldn’t park his Mercedes literally right in front of the entrance doors. Could be a nice lad otherwise but came across as an arrogant prick.

A lot more bite to his game now as well; runs around with a scowl on his face instead of the wide-eyed lost foal he looked like before Howe came in.

Even in his interview he comes across as such a stud. Loved his banter with Ryan Fraser in his full NUFC.co.uk interview “look at him with that box of pizza, I’m taller than you Fraze!”. Really does seem like the kind of player with the aura, discipline and intelligence to one day become a very good manager.

I said this when we signed him but I think he’s underrated offensively as well, has a decent cross on him and is a solid passer. I think people overlook that because he excels defensively; massive upgrade on anything we had in that position. Wouldn’t be averse at all to signing him permanently.

Father is mixed race iirc. As a mixed race person myself, I can’t help thinking we’d have beautiful babies together. In all seriousness he’s every bit the world class rb I thought we’d be getting when we signed him. Immense player and a real winner.

Was Ben-Arfaesque against Everton. What a player.

It was hilarious; Gray saying that he could only see a comfortable Everton win and Keys saying our only good signing this window was Wood (and that we’re the likeliest to go down).

Think 5 is fair. Massive win and we’ve potentially pulled Everton into it as well (who look really poor). Still 1 bad set of results or an injury crisis away from being fully back in doomsville.

Next goal wins imo.

Loving Trippier’s corners. Guy is just class.

Let’s put on Bruno now lads, yeah?

We don’t look great. Not many chances bring created by our lot.

Being annoyed that a better player is being benched for a very important game isn’t unreasonable tbh.

I’d say the French League is as physical if not more so than the EPL anyway.

Granted there are perhaps other considerations but presumably not starting because “he doesn’t know the Premier League” or whatever is straight out of the Pfm handbook. Possibly harsh, just wanted to see our new guy, man .

As disappointed as I am, I can understand if he hasn’t had enough time with his team-mates. Annoying as hell and such a Pfm move though…

Ah well. I’m sure he’ll throw him on when we’re losing.

I never realized how petty I was; my first reaction was, “ooooopps Atalanta, should have accepted our massive offer” Not a great look for me, that.

Everton have a good team and seem to have galvanized after Rafa’s departure. Really need a win but expecting a spirited loss. Massively hope I’m wrong of course (more so than any other game this season).

Nah. Should we stay up it’ll be by a few points only imo; skin of our teeth stuff.

At the very least we need to beat one of Lampard or Gerard in the next couple of games.

Clark, rightly or wrongly, has only been picked ahead of Fede because he’s left-footed. I can only guess that the arrival of Burn and the fact that Dummett is back will mean he gets omitted from the squad.