Super Duper Branko Strupar

I don't think it's at all unfair to say Howe likes to get players up to speed before giving them starts. Bruno wasn't straight in, Elanga only was because Murphy was injured, Tonali wasn't starting immediately even after his ban. I bet you Woltemade would have had limited time if Wissa was available too. I don't think its necessarily a bad thing, personally.

People are just selective with the fee talk, unfortunately. Outtara cost 40+, Guessand and Kalimuendo cost 25+, Madueke cost 50+, JP cost 55+, Kevin cost 35 etc I feel like people are creating sticks to beat Howe/The club with when actually our business is terribly normal. Wissa aside, and Elanga too if this is his peak (it hopefully wont be) but we had to fill positions this window in what was actually rather difficult circumstances.

That's not a fortune then though is it. And generally we've bought very well. What's our list of duds? Someone is going to mention Chris Wood aren't they (not you rf).

How have we spent a fortune? We've had 1 window worth of some level of strengthening since years ago and currently Elanga aside we've bought well. Ramsey is a good player who's currently not had much time to get 1st team ready. He'll hold value too. Still reading "we should have bought x" nonsense from people who were going on for ages about Aaron fucking Hickey.

I've been willing to give him time given the heights he previously reached, but I'm starting to struggle now. His execution has been too poor for too long, he has no touch at all generally. Maybe harsh but even his strike that brought a save tonight was in to the ground. Time on the ball or no time on the ball. I know he's not a centre forward, but he should be showing some attributes. It must be in his head and I hope he can get some consistent form. It's World Cup year, I feel he should be trying harder to get that place.

He had the right idea tonight, but let down by personnel. Would have been a different matter if Hall had started, but I see why he didnt. Had to rest Wolt and Gordon isnt the answer. We defended well and gave them very little first half and a better striker and we go in 2-0 at least. Then whatever Pope decided to do and a sucker punch with a canny finish. Then they packed the middle and we couldn't get anything in from the sides. Very annoying.

Annoying. You know you don't win those balls, Nick. Why still try?

Finish, mind.

Whats he doing?

They've had 2 shots on target and 1 more touch in our box than we have theirs. They can have as much as they want if they're not going to do anything with it.

Some frustrating moments, but we have. So have they, because they're good.

It's crazy how little impetus or creativity they had

So easy for Everton to keep the ball.

Who?

Burnley 1-2 Chelsea Bournemouth 3-0 West Ham Brighton 2-1 Brentford Fulham 2-1 Sunderland Liverpool 2-0 Forest Wolves 1-2 Palace Newcastle 2-2 Man City Leeds 1-2 Villa Arsenal 2-1 Spurs Man United 2-1 Everton

Amazing.

WWYPU

Applecross is lovely around there too and the road to get there is great fun.

Edinburgh over Dublin. However the Wild Atlantic Way looks incredible. Scottish highlands driving isn't particularly fun.

Nonsense.

That movement for the second

Unicorn.

We have been using him to his strengths, Barnes' second goal against Benfica is a great example. So are his headers. But I'd agree in part, but that's mainly because our wingers have been poor. We have Wissa to come back, who is essentially our Isak replacement. Being harsh on a young Woltemade to come in and flourish in a team not yet set up to play with him. Think we'll likely see him and Wissa at points and Ramsey at 10 instead of Joelinton when Ramsey is fit enough to start more than 1 game.