Heron

I felt we started with the wrong tactics and kinda went in too open. It could have easily been 4 - 1 at half time let alone full time. If we started the game doing what we seemingly did at the start of the second half and sat in, looking to break out, and kept it tight then I think we'd have fatigued less and not been pulled around so much. Our midfield 3 were stretched apart often trying to cover full backs too much and trying to help struggling, slow centre backs. By the time the second half came we'd been chasing the game to get it level and were fucked. I get why we kept stronger players on for so long in recent games but this was always the danger tbh. Their change in personnel then won them the game in the scoresheet but performance-wise they got what they'd deserved from the first half. They're an excellent side, with an excellent manager - it has to be said. Champions League is vital to both clubs though to sustain this breaking down of the "big 6". It really does demonstrate the sheer ineptitude of the likes of Spurs and Man United that they have had such a fall from grace this season with such squad depth at multiple levels and time at the 'financial top'. Villa have rolled the dice on loans to get them to the CL. I feel they'll do similar next season with maybe an addition of one big summer signing. I think that works until they slip up one season and then they're pretty much out the frame. We're not rolling the dice and running a similar risk - expecting the same players to achieve or in some instances over-achieve relentlessly. Good old FFP eh...

Got our tactics a bit wrong and started off on the wrong foot performance wise. Somehow managed to keep a foothold in the game through their inability to make the most of their opportunities which then clicked second half and they subsequently battered us. Was always a risk here for me. Disappointed but not shocked. Gotta put Ipswich to bed next week and then hopefully one or two results go our way to ease the pressure.

I knew it wasn't a pen last night from the Strawberry Corner... 😉

Mackems father/brother.

Mackem.

Aye this

Aye I was in a similar position. Couldn't have possibly helped by doing owt at that stage so just waved a big wave instead to help detract.

Haha this isn't true.

I think the sample applies the other way though. I don't think it's entirely luck for a striker to step up and hit it hard with accuracy from 12 yards. Adding complications to the run up is adding opportunity to fail, and we seem to see these kind of fails fairly regularly, and they're embarrassing.

I have to say I don't agree. It's not data based so happy to be proven wrong with data but effective penalties more often seem to be ones where the striker remains in decent motion and simply strikes it with assertion. This modern phenomenon of penalty taking is absolutely, embarrassingly wank and made Eze look an utter tit and cost his team the game tonight. Or at least a chance to remain int the tie. Good goalkeeping from Pope/heads up from Trippier but irrespective a penalty should be scored.

Knows exactly what he's doing.

We've had a few mistakes over the years but aye...this wasn't good. It happens...I guess

Can we put a short term ban on anyone talking of replacements please for say 6 weeks?

...and folk questionning the likes of Lascelless, Ritchie, etc... It's a squad. The most likeable squad in my lifetime. Everyone plays their part. If you don't you've been shipped by now.

Told y'all.

I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you around the country, Jacob, Jacob Murphy

Cheers mate! There's been a lot going on behind the scenes that's nothing anywhere near as obvious as the displays - working with schools and the club and foundation as well as charities etc. Just anything that wants our involvement in essence. Which is absolutely fantastic to be honest but occasionally stretches us haha. Think the group is ready for one or two smaller displays

I'm not sure what we'll be doing tbh. Been an incredibly hectic last 2months for us.

Has previously been used in the Leazes...

I don't believe so

Will check when we're next in. Cheers mate

Were you on the right or left of the goal as you faced the pitch?

Sunny and warm. Probably bring a jacket for post game.

Get. Into. Them. #ForEddie

Class this. Been there twice and seen us win twice and this last time in particular their fans wre noticeably sound like. Fair play...good on them.