Heron

Shite TBH. Wasn't impressed hearing how people were going on about Clark the other week and nor am I about this. Think there's a vile culture online and actually, these lads have been here through all the mind-numbing shit we've endured as fans. I thibk nearly every fan I know says they cannot fault hard effort, yet loads get abusive when someone isn't good enough. Farcical.

Aye, sorry I mistyped. I wouldn't start ASM was what I mesnt to say

That is my intention (Almiron like a 10) or on the shoulder of the last man. Also to have 5 at the back. You absolutely can drop ASM. He's a luxury in games such as these and one we cannot afford.

This is decent. I'd probably start ASM at Liverpool me though, personally.

I honestly don't know who we have with the defensive qualities to shut up shop, but we absolutely need to. Happy to see alternatives... ASM doesn't do the dirty work and Almiron is wasted out wide. Our CM's are lacking defensively and our CBs are overly exposed at present and not good enough, so there is some method to the madness. That's purely for our next two. Bring on your ASM or Willock or whoever if it's necessary after an hour. The only one I'd feel shite on in that would be Joelinton, he's probably the second name on the sheet atm after Dubravka.

For me, in the upcoming games I think I'd be aiming to shut up shop a canny bit like. We simply cannot open up or it could demolish any positivity and semblance of unity within the team. I'll be honest, I really don't know what's best with our squad. I don't see any real obvious qualities on a team level, only as individuals. Something like; Dubravka RWB Manquillo CB Lascelles CB Schar CB Fernandez LWB Lewis CM Hayden CM Shelvey CM Ritchie CF Wilson CF Almiron In all honesty though I find it very difficult to pick. That midfield would perhapd not be very dynamic but Ritchie brings us some leadership and that's needed on the pitch at the moment. Also, if Lewis and Manquillo push on I feel Hayden and Ritchie could slot in to take up a defensive role as cover. By putting Miggy up top, he has a chance to eun the channels and get them turned around and combined with Wilson's determination, pressure and leadership might just alleviate some pressure. It's sad that this is what it's become, but aye, ideally I wouldn't play like 8 of them.

In this day in age, I'm surprised this sort of thing doesn't get called out like...

Good lord. Please do.

TBH it's only Liverpool and Man City that really, really concern me here. The other 3 we have a decent chance of getting something.

Agree with this Really like the guy and he's a joy to watch but until the end of the season he needs to do the dirty work better.

I think we were in a lot better position when Rafa took over tbh and I love Rafa like. He had better and fitter players at his disposal, but less time. As for the second point, that's fair, but in the first half whilst we didn't necessarily create clear chances, there were shakey moments where we almost capitalised.

High presses don't necessarily equate to chances though, it's a style of defence rather than offence? What I do have concerns about is our strategy with regards to attacking, that's something that seems unidentifiable at present. However, I think we're also underestimating the terrible state the club was left in. We need a pre season, mid season. They've had to get the fundamentals of fitness sorted before they can even focus on strategy. Personally, I can see improvements, I think Joelinton and Shelvey have noticably improved, fitness has improved, the players generally look more comfortable on the ball and there seems to be better belief and application, albeit not enough yet. Confidence is really low and Howe should have protected that at 2-0 down instead of chasing it imo. I don't think anyone is downing tools on Howe though and nor do I think a top class manager would have completely introduced a new strategy yet though.

Shut up you idiot. =D

I've seen a great deal of petulance this afternoon reading here, WhatsApp and Twitter like. It's like people just love to hate.

Some goal that. Rafa's done now I reckon.

Arguably our best player again today.

I would too, but not just yet. Either at the end of January or at the end of the season.

I think there is some unity on the pitch but there's a lack of on pitch leaders that's a real concern. Lascelles seems to have checked out on that front, and previously I'd considered that one of his better attirbutes.

Because we need to be pulling together at present. Saying those comments allows the media an entry to probe and make suggestions all isn't well in the camp, etc. I agree, some times there needs to be a hardline approach but this is whatvhe has to deal with until January, and we have some very, very difficult games coming up, I thibk it's best to maintain what unity is there and save the arse kickings for the games where we absolutely should win and don't.

... Who doesn't kna the rules, or have common sense it seems.

Agree on the end bit about our midfield. Think ASM is flattering to deceive as much as Almiron as others mention tbh. His trickery is fantastic but he rarely gets anything out of it and at times, was a sheer luxury today, a luxury we cannot afford at present.

He doesn't need to do it publicly though...

I thought we deployed a fairly high press for the first 35 minutes or so. To good effect as well, their defenders were making mistakes but we failed to capitalise. The pen changed everything. I think we need more Rafa than Howe at present in terms of football styles tbh, but I do think Howe will get us the points we need his way. I think has maybe just underestimated some of the players flaws on the whole.

They were shakey at the back and we gave them concerns up until the penalty it was very much in the balance, albeit they had more of the ball and we sat deeper. We were decent for a short spell in the second half at 2-0 dowb too, before we made some silly mistakes and left ourselves open to their counter attack. Was shit or bust time though. Either that or shut up shop. Think Howe needs to learn from that element today

I actually agree. Penalty changed the game.