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I think the biggest issue today was the gap between midfield and defense tbh, not necessarily just the defenders being bad, which they really where. The thing we've excelled at this season is being really good in the transitional phase, and pressing high when we lose possession, to smother the opposition into making a mistake high up the pitch, however they managed to play round that with ease today, with meant that they then had a tone of space to run into between the lines, and with Botman and Schar not being the paciest, caused us plenty of issues. Today was the perfect example of where someone like Rice who has the intelligence to sit in that game and control things would have been invaluable.

Howe is definitely the sort of manager who likes to do all his work on the training pitch, so it makes sense that he doesn't like to tinker between them two or three tactics, he's the type that unless he has full faith in a setup, he not going to risk changing it on the fly, as in his eyes its not engrained in the players, so has less of a chance of working. Its not really a criticism of him, as different managers have different styles, and that style has worked to date, and with better and better players, its going to work more and more.

I bet on Brighton to win with over 1.5 goals, will soften the blow either way

Will be interesting to see how Villa go next week, as I feel Brentford set up in a way that will be ready made match for their tactics, be a fascinating game that one.

You know, i'm actually surprised by this thread, was expecting reactionary bullshit, but in the main everyone has been level headed

Have you actually read the room here at all? Everyone has said you deservedly one, not sure there is any salt in this place, you're goading the wrong people

You're like the anti-Froggy

I would be concerned if we hadn't at the very least matched all the top sides this season when we've played them, was just one of them games today where we didn't even really start.

Well, time to forget this ever happened

If you'd offered me 6 points from these last 9, i'd have snapped your hand off. Today has been shite, but we learn and move on and go beat Spurs.

They've been great, we've been shite, one of them days, it happens from time to time. We learn from it, and move on quickly.

1-0 flatter us to be honest, we've been lethargic, with their defense stifling anything we've tried. Been really impressed with them to be fair, they're pressing and intensity is incredible.

So guessing it's: Bruno. Willock. Joelinton Murphy. Gordon. Isak

I will not have a single bad word about either of them like

"JOE LIN TON" "Matt Ritchie my friend"

Yeaap, about time too, worth a thread title change?