Doctor Zaius

Yeah, mentions it on the Football Ramble now and again. Think he lives out by the coast

On the Continent. I think Andy Brassell is great. Really knowledgeable and without the horrendous levels of misplaced smugness you get from the majority football journos. Probably the best non-nufc focused journalist when speaking about us too, given he lives up here.

I cant be arsed with any criticism of Howe like. His hands were tied for Bournemouth. The players too. I thought Joelinton, Willock, Longstaff and the likes were all poor against Bournemouth, but its obvious why. They're not world class players who you can drop into any team and they'll show their quality. They look brilliant for us as part of our system. When we're unable to implement that system due to an a ridiculous amount of injuries, fatigue and fixture congestion, these players aren't going to be at their best. Whilst How has improved these players, they look way better for the most part because of the system. We have three players you could drop into any team they'd slot straight in; Isak, Bruno and Trippier (maybe Botman too).

Squad is on the bones of its arse. We're a brilliant team, but with so many missing, we look so different. It's clear why Howe doesn't like changing it. It's difficult to criticise any of them given the circumstances.

Aye brilliant ?

I think Gordon can play as a third choice striker, as opposed to bringing in a player over the hill/mercenary willing to sit on the bench. Ordinarily you could have Barnes, Joelinton or even Almiron filling in on the left

Winds me up that Tonali is banned. Think he'd have made a difference starting in both games.

Just realised Bruno is out for this. Could almost field an 11 if unavailable players Wilson is out too Murphy Botman Burn Targett Bruno Tonali Anderson Barnes Wilson Isak Anyway, id see anything other than Livramento at right wing. Brilliant player, but hes a full back. Hall or Miley in midfield perhaps.

The game changes if he puts that away. We were on top and building pressure. Might have went on to nick it. Cannot be missing chances like that man.

I always maintained I'd be happy for us to drop into the Europa on the basis that we could win it but I think i'm in the minority. Though given our injuries, death or glory might be our best bet.

If Milan win at home to Dortmund and we lose to PSG thats it done and dusted for us, meaning the final group game is a dead rubber, which would be a crying shame. Really wanted a PSG win tonight to avoid that.

I just dont want to finish bottom, so Id rather PSG pull it back.

Disappointing like. So frustrating. Thought we were better tonight in parts than the home leg. That Joelinton chance was a sitter, you have to, have to take chances like that at this level. The second goal was absolutely criminal at any level too. Thought aside from the PSG game, we've not looked good in any of our CL games. I think we're struggling with the slower tempo of CL football. Its more technical and less frantic than the PL. I think some players havent adapted yet and it hasnt suited them. Joelinton, Willock and Longstaff have been brilliant in the frantic pace of the PL, but have looked technically off it in the CL. Tonali may have been better suited in these games, certainly looked better against Milan and PSG than he has in the PL. I think we really miss Isak too, he's a focal point and holds the ball up well. Wilson in both legs barely layed a glove on their centre halves, Isak would have caused more problems. Anyway, the most important thing is that Howe and the lads learn from this. I think qualifying is gone now, but Europa league isnt out of sight.

Just fuckin head the ball into the net man

Absolutely fucking shit from Trippier that like

Beat the first man you fucking dick

Fucking frustrating this like

Livramento at right wing doesn't work like. Clearly looks like a right back who isn't sure how to play there

Brandt is quality like

Poor defending like

That was a chance

Eh!? I don't get that team at all. Who's playing where!?

Our bench for this is going to be something else

Beyond a joke now these injuries, but at least we have Hall and Tripper who can play there

Looking forward to this. Dont think there's a great deal of pressure on us as the CL is a bit of a free hit this year. The only things I worry about here is a lack of prep time. We'll have been focusing on Arsenal so much that we'll barely have had a chance to prepare for Dortmund. Had this been a week away or even Wednesday night I'd fancy us more. Think we'll draw. A draw leaves them in a decent enough position but they'll still be well aware that they need to beat either PSG at home or go to Milan and win to go through or rely on us to not win either of our last two games.