sixx

Wow Southgate really played for a draw. Kind of pathetic. And what even is the point of Mason Mount? The US midfield were absolutely great though - nullified Bellingham which reduced England to sideways passes and blind alleys. Kane might as well have stayed home.

Belgium were surprisingly bad last night. No game plan and absolutely zero off the ball movement. Canada had them on the ropes for long stretches.

Anyone know if Neuer is really wearing the rainbow armband?

Reminds me of Sami Hyypia. Doesn’t need to commit much or make last ditch efforts. He’s just there postionally - making life a living hell for strikers before they can make their mark. Such a clever player.

After a years reflection it still doesn't sit well with me and I think I'm not enjoying this period of success as much as I would in other circumstances although I do really enjoy it. Of course I'd love for the takeover to have been initatied by supporters and the club to be owned in majority by supporters like in Germany but at the end of the day this isn't really a matter that we as supporters have much of a say in. We wanted Ashley out for a better part of a decade to no avail. Man Utd fans have wanted the Glazers out for years - not happening. Football opened the floodgates to unfettered capitalism decades ago and it was always bound to result in things like this. Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly an awful state and I can fully understand not wanting relations to it. For that we do have democracy though and last time I checked the UK has both diplomatic and bilateral trade relations with Saudi Arabia - along with pretty much with the rest of the Western world. If people have a problem with that (which is wholly understandable) they have ample democratic means. Holding football clubs to a higher moral standard than your own government is honestly both moronic and a testament to a wider democratic deficit. And then there is this concept of 'sportswashing'. This concept that's constantly bandied about in terms of takeovers and hosting national tournaments and whatnot. I'm not really buying it. Have the takeovers of City and PSG really improved the public perception of Qatar and the UAE? Has the Newcastle takeover improved western perception towards Saudi Arabia? Has Qatar's hosting of the World Cup really improved its image? Or Russia's last WC? It's doubtful at best and probably it has done more to damage and expose them as awful tyrannies. As is the case with all geopolitics it's confusing and includes mostly gray areas.

They should have terminated his contract after not wanting to come on against Spurs.

Not even a question anymore.

I think it get’s highlighted because Howe is such a nice, soft spoken guy who obviously wants to play good football. I really like the fact that he’s willing to use any means necessary to win. We’re still playing the likes of Longstaff, Murphy and Wood every week - people can’t expect us to play joga bonito all the time.

On current form, is there a better right back in the world?

Barring injuries I can't see us bringing in more than one player this January. Literally no one is underperforming - probably not a good idea to bring in a few players upsetting the balance at such a time. If I had to guess we'd bring in a winger but I'm pretty sure it's going to be dependant on the injury situation. Could be a classic DM, even a left back.

Trippier. This era begins with him. Perfect signing in every aspect. Wilson close second though. I’m not very gay but his smile definitely makes me very gay.

His hold up play is really underappreciated. What a guy.

I really want to see his running stats. Like a man possessed.

Murphy decided to join the game as prime Ribery.

Good ebening.

He’s a lot less blood and thunder than I imagined. Seems to have a great understanding of positioning, doesn’t need to dive in a lot.

Well done. We’re seriously good defensively. Only one attempt from Everton and I can’t really remember it. Everyone burst a lung out there, especially Longstaff - he deserves credit. Almiron is lush. Fraser won a header. Life is good. On the other hand I’ll be quite disappointed if Murphy starts again over Anderson.

Onana crosses the pitch in about three steps.

Being held back by Murphy, Longstaff and Burn at LB.

Scrappy but we look solid. Just need that little bit of quality to get the midfield play going. They give their best but it’s really on these occasions when Longstaff’s and Murphy’s limitations become the most evident.

Championship level football. I'm pretty sure Gibbs-White can be moulded into a good player given the right circumstances.

We’ve managed to sign an incredible spine in Pope, Botman and Bruno. Wow. I really can see him as world class in a couple of years.

Atmosphere sounds extremely flat. Such a shame when we’re playing so well.

I love the fact he’s building us up from the back. Our back 5 is almost completely renewed and we look very solid defensively. Really excited to see what kind of midfielder he envisions in that Shelvey/Longstaff role - a classic DM, a box-to-box or a deep lying playmaker.

Surprisingly strong and very confident. Deserves to start the next home game.