Parsley

17 minutes ago, Checko said:

This is why McKenna at Ipswich might want to move to a bigger team: struggle with a newly-promoted team, which is to be expected, and suddenly many people think you're shit.

 

From a very cursory glance Kompany did ok at Anderlecht - they came 4th and 8th the 2 seasons before he took over, 3rd and 3rd in both his years in charge, and 11th the year after he left. Lost a cup final on penalties.

 

Did great at Burnley in their promotion year. Perhaps should have been a bit more pragmatic in the premier league but they were starting to turn it around by the time we played them. There is a big gulf between Premier League and Championship that's hard to overcome.

 

Anyway, he could be absolutely fine with better players.

 

 

 

Relegating Burnley doesn't seem to have done Kompany's stock much harm. 

I don't disagree though - while the Chelsea job will probably be vacant again by this point next year, the Brighton and potentially Man Utd posts won't be, so there's an element of now or never. A shame if McKenna isn't able to take Ipswich all the way though. 

1 minute ago, Conjo said:

Poch has to have wanted this too surely?

Or was Poch Poch'ed like Adkins?

There's Bayern and potentially the Man Utd job up for grabs. Wouldn't surprise me if he's decided the grass is greener. 

How do you even BCC yourself accidentally!? I can't get my head around it 

Weird seeing Southgate pick on form for once. 

9 minutes ago, Thumbheed said:

Aye, think that's his preference but he'd be a superb signing.

 

Can't think of a more Eddie Howe type player.

I rate Gallagher but he's quite similar to Tonali, I think. 

Fantastic tonight.

Just now, JigsawGoesToPieces said:

Their midfield has pissed all over ours tonight, Bruno, Diallo, Mainoo all been good for them.

The midfield's been fine. Two hopeless bouts of defending are why we're behind. 

Jammy cunts 

They're getting a fair bit of joy with just going long over our midfield. 

We're finding lots of space in between the lines on the other hand. Hall's been great so far. 

1 minute ago, Sibierski said:

Proper bogey team. Smashed them last season at home to a De Zerbi side, so expect us to turn this around. Barnes/Joelinton are key game changers for fresh energy on a day like this.

Beat them at home last season also. Our record away at Brighton is poor, but we beat them at home more often than not. 

3 hours ago, Froggy said:

 

Like we were with Wilcox and Berrada. Looks like everyone is doing quick business, just one club sticking out at the minute. 

 

 

 

https://metro.co.uk/2024/04/02/southampton-furious-man-utd-block-jason-wilcox-move-2025-20571526/ - Doesn't sound as if the Wilcox move was conducted particularly amicably. 

Suspect this is coming from Man Utd rather than Ashworth. 

22 minutes ago, Froggy said:

 

Hojlund is 3 years younger and already has more goals in his first season than Isak did.

 

Hold that L for sure man.

That's quite a misleading use of statistics. Isak scored more in the league last season than Hojlund has this in less appearances. 5 of Hojlund's goals this season have also come in Europe; Isak obviously didn't play in Europe last season. 

Age gap granted but it doesn't seem a fair or accurate comparison really. 

2 minutes ago, Joelinton7 said:

Tielemans can really hit them sometimes

He's been really good today. Physical limitations were discussed at length in the summer but he's a lovely passer of a football. 

21 minutes ago, rebelrouser said:

What will be our starting eleven?

Gordon and Willock will be in for Barnes and Anderson I suspect, as Howe seems to be managing their minutes carefully. Hoping that Hall retains his place, and ideally would see Gordon and Barnes start together. 

Just now, NSG said:

Rumour has it MoTD want him but all he wants to do is NUFC.

Controversially, I thought Darren Fletcher was great for the winner. 

1 hour ago, Tsunami said:

He’s not particularly quick or skilful, doesn’t hit the line and put crosses in. He does make fantastic runs for others to pick and he’s a finisher. It’s almost like he shouldn’t play on the wing, never going to be a centre forward, not going to play off a centre forward either. He’s a bit of a one off in what he offers. 

I know what you're saying, but outside of probably Isak there is no other player capable of that shimmy and shot for the winner in the side currently. It was pure clutch. 

Just now, joeyt said:

Garnacho is really really good

He's been excellent. Absolute workhorse as well. 

32 minutes ago, Sibierski said:

How do we ease him in like this? Basically only play him when we’re 2+ behind in league games? Can’t see him coming on if we’re one ahead. 
 

Unless we’re 3+ ahead in a game, I’d be surprised if we see him feature meaningfully in the league. For some reason or another, it’s been set his minutes and it’s a case of wait till next season to see what happens.

I think this is exactly why he hasn't featured much to date. I'd like to think if we'd been 2/3 goals on up on more occasions this season, he'd have featured much more and, with every positive cameo, played his way closer to a start. Sadly, those situations have been few and far between; with results being more precarious, Howe's stuck to what he knows (which I understand). 

Disappointing to not see him feature more given the fee but I'm also not overly concerned - confident that Howe rates him and we'll see much more of him next season. A full pre-season under Howe will do him wonders. 

Ait-Nouri is class. 

Once Willock's fully match fit, we'll hopefully see Longstaff rotate more with Miley. Until that point, I can understand Howe's rationale. 

21 minutes ago, The College Dropout said:

Can Ross Barkley play his way into the squad... and team?

 

 

He should be in the mix but reckon Curtis Jones will get the nod - similar profile, career on the rise, decent season etc. 

Tonali has to start when he's back IMO. He's the only midfielder we have who's shown signs of being able to slow down play and control the ball. While I don't think he can viably play Bruno's position long term, he'll be able to slot in midgame and give us options that the two Joes wouldn't. 

3 minutes ago, TRon said:

Does anyone still think centre midfield is a priority for the summer? We'll have Tonali back, as well as Joelinton , Willock and Anderson. For me a striker alternative for Wilson should now be the main target, with RW and a Schar understudy next on the list.

Need some cover for Bruno at the very least, potentially a replacement as well if he leaves in the summer. The left and right-sided slots aren't as much of a priority though, agreed.