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Gallagher has been really good too.

Watkins did the right things there. I feel so much more confident with Gordon instead of Rashford in that position.

Fuck me, has he still not booked a Brazilian?

Chilwell wastes it again.

Who took out Gallagher there? Was that Paquetà again?

Oh come on, book Paquetà FFS.

Yeah, lovely touch by Gallagher. Every time Watkins plays for England he looks like he’s out of place.

Is there a player more deserving of a kick in the balls?

Been weird down here. We were getting hailed on in warm, bright sunshine an hour ago.

Quote from the ref in that game: ”To be honest, I didn't actually see any foul that night - but I knew there was one. My gut told me that something in the picture wasn't right, and I'd learned to trust that feeling over a 20-year career.” Classic European decision. “I didn’t actually see a foul but it felt like a foul”. I still haven’t forgiven the ref who gave Sevilla a penalty to equalize in 2007 when Robinson took the ball. He just fucking guessed. They do it all the fucking time.

Ah fuck. I was walking home earlier listening to the Athletic podcast about England and really looking forward to the European Championship. Being back in England, watching games in a packed and rocking pub etc etc. You just reminded me of all the other bullshit that comes with it *sigh*

Yeah that jacket is pretty lush. I mean, that’s what a new shirt is almost by definition. Were they actually promoting it as wonderful and revolutionary? Genuine question. I thought it was supposed to be “playful”.

Yeah, really like those kits tbh.

You have set international weeks to accommodate qualifiers instead of having them scattered around the calendar. Both international and domestic coaches can prepare well in advance. Then if you’ve already qualified or are already out and don’t have a playoff you can have a couple of friendlies to try out new tactics and players, and bring squads together for training and bonding. I prefer it like this tbh. Imagine you had Bruno Guimaraes flying halfway round the world for midweek games between league matches every three weeks or so.

Just re-watched the second half. What a fantastic performance. Particularly enjoyed watching Sa take about a minute over a drop kick knowing that extra minute meant Cov winning the game

You’ll go some to beat Bryan Gil up front, Kulisevski pretending to be Maddison and Ben Davies and Emerson Royal at CB

That last two minutes of possession before the weak finish from Palmer was absolutely brilliant. Would have been up there with the best goals I’ve ever seen from a Championship club.

The most sitter of sitters. Worth seeking out if you missed it

Tbf Swansea massively on top.

I think you’ve got a chance. Can’t see them playing a full strength team (they’re obviously without Ederson and De Bruyne anyway) and we got a 3-3 draw there with a comedy line-up.

Would take that tbh. ABA.

Yes and no. The Champions League is a very different kettle of fish from the Europa Conference. West Ham won every single game in the Conference last year - all the home and away legs, all the group matches - except one, drawing one leg of their Quarter-Final with Gent. It’s not remotely as competitive, there are just a lot of games. You saw the issues. You basically had to play your strongest possible team in every game in the CL. There are some Spurs fans (not many, but some) who are saying they would rather we miss out on the CL this season for that reason: they want a stronger squad before taking on the CL and the opportunity the Europa League affords to blood younger players and keep fringe players ticking over. Luck plays a significant part. Arsenal have had very few injuries so far despite so many games, while Man U had disastrous injuries even before the Group Stage started. Your draw for the CL was rough (but fun), Arsenal had PSV, Lens and Sevilla. Don’t get me wrong, it was a terrific achievement for West Ham. The more salient problem is that the competition from other PL sides is tough so the margin for error is small. That year West Ham got 7th there was a really big drop-off after the top five. That same points total the next year would have had them in 10th and out of Europe.

Jesus Christ. More than 30 years later.

Looking at how excited and proud Gordon is, does anyone know the story behind Ben White saying “no thanks”?

Yeah, that’s clearly the reason why he‘s still there, which is a pity. Make him a coach or something Goalkeepers…whatever, not inspiring but nothing better out there. Defenders bit thin but presume Tomori is still injured. Don’t particularly rate Gomez but he’s probably partly in because of versatility. Konsa didn’t look great against us either but isn’t he versatile too? Happy to see Branthwaite but would love to see a proper fullback out there - Livramento? Midfield - feels like we’re missing someone here even allowing for giving a mascot a place in the squad. Henderson is presumably just in there as a leader. We feel like we’re one “holding” midfielder short. Forwards…and one too many here. I suppose Foden and Palmer could be included as midfielders. I do think Rashford can do a job as an impact sub though. Overall fair enough I guess.