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I said at the time Ten Haag got appointed that Southgate wouldn't have actually been a horrendous appointment, and he certainly wouldn't have been as bad as Amorim has been so far. Southgate's downside is tactical, but what he lacks in that, he's gains in building chemistry and changing the mentality of a team/nation, and that's what Man United needed, a little bit like what OGS bought, he wouldn't have been a long term solution as his limitations would eventually catch up with him, but at the time, given where their squad and team was at, he made sense, and could have been a facilitator to get them back to where they think the belong, for the next guy to then take them to that next level. As it is they got someone who very clearly needs a full pre-season to get his ideas across, is young and inexperienced, and naive to the extreme, and they're paying the price for it, and its glorious to watch.

In their next 3 they have Ipswich and Leicester. They can't be that shit they lose both of them, surely? If they do, they'll actually be in the shit.

God I can't wait for semi-automated offside to be introduced next week.

Makes it all the more hilarious that Man United required a 92nd minute offside goal from a set piece to beat them.

Again, why? All that would do is stop the teams the Conference League is designed for from getting the revenue that European tournaments provide. If anything it should be the opposite with the Champions League being a straight knockout, as they don't need the money, whereas the majority of the Conference League clubs do.

its actually the complete opposite. Its a quality tournament and one of the few things that UEFA have done in recent years that has had the biggest benefit to the game as a whole. I can't remember the exact amount, but since its inception, around 10 nations have had teams reach the league phase of the European competition for the first time. It gives teams and fans of them smaller nations a chance of actually having a European adventure, it allows teams like Olympiakos a chances of winning a European competition, teams like KI Klaksvik from the Faroe Islands, Shamrock Rovers and Jagiellonia Białystok of Poland a chance of actually doing something and maybe make the Knockout Round, and then getting the revenue into their respective leagues, that will eventually be to their benefit. Hell, it even gives teams like West Ham, Real Betis and Fiorentina a realistic chance of glory. Whereas previously them teams would get knocked out in what, the second qualifying round? And be of no benefit to anyone. Football isn't just for the big clubs and big leagues, and just because this competition does't benefit them, it doesn't meant the Conference League hasn't been a great addition to the footballing calendar. Same with the Nations League as well.

Conference League Draw:

Europa League Draw:

Full bracket:

Leicester 0 v 2 Brentford Everton 1 v 1 Man United Arsenal 2 v 0 West Ham Bournemouth 3 v 1 Wolves Fulham 1 v 1 Palace Ipswich 2 v 1 Spurs Southampton 1 v 1 Brighton Villa 2 v 1 Chelsea Newcastle 1 v 1 Forest Man City 1 v 3 Liverpool

Interesting how they don't disclose the length of the contract, where as they did with Krafth.

https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/martin-dubravka-signs-new-contract Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka has signed a new contract with the club. The 36-year-old joined the Magpies in January 2018, initially on loan, making his debut in a 1-0 victory against Manchester United. The Slovakia international signed on a permanent basis the following summer after making twelve appearances. This season, Dúbravka has made fourteen appearances in all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets. He won the Premier League's Save of the Month in December for a stop against Wolves at St. James' Park. On signing his new contract, Dúbravka said: "I'm really happy to have extended my time here. I had a really positive discussion with the gaffer and sporting director and we all agreed that it would be best if I stayed here. "I have a really special connection here with the club, the staff and the fans. My children were born here, so they are Geordies now, and this club holds a special place in my heart. "I feel that the team is in a really good place at the minute, with how we are doing in the league and obviously being in two cup competitions is really exciting." Head coach Eddie Howe said: "Martin is a high-quality goalkeeper who has performed brilliantly for Newcastle United over the years. "He has stepped back into the team recently and performed very well, demonstrating his value within a strong goalkeeping unit. "It's no secret that he had options to move on in January, but he deserves huge credit for keeping his focus. We are delighted Martin is staying with us."

https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/emil-krafth-signs-contract-extension-february-2025 Defender Emil Krafth has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the club until the end of the 2025/26 season. The 50-time Sweden international has been with the Magpies since 2019 when he joined from French side Amiens and has since made 93 appearances for the club. Krafth has appeared eight times in all competitions this season, including making a return from a collarbone injury in a 3-2 Emirates FA Cup victory over Birmingham City earlier this month. After signing his extension, Krafth said: "I'm delighted to extend my time at Newcastle United for another year. It's an exciting time to be part of this club. "We have a lot to play for throughout the rest of this season, and I'm looking forward playing my part in helping the team finish the season in a positive way. "It feels like home here for both me and my family, having been here for such a long time. We all enjoy everything about being part of this club, and I love playing for Newcastle United." Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe said: "I'm delighted we have extended Emil's contract. He is an incredible professional in the way he trains, plays and conducts himself. "He offers us versatility in defensive positions, which is vital to have, along with vast experience and a steadying influence. He will continue to be an important part of our squad on and off the pitch." Paul Mitchell, the club's sporting director, said: "Emil can play across different defensive positions and he gives the first team squad important balance. "He is ultra-professional, and given his experience both at club and international level, it made it a simple decision for the club to extend his contract. "These decisions are part of a collaborative process internally, and we'll continue to work closely to optimise our chances of success in the short, medium and long term."

This season Dubs has been better (quite significantly imo) and has rightly kept his place, if we're picking them on their peak, Pope is better, though Prime Dubs under Rafa runs him close imo.

For all you XG nerds out there, that miss was a higher XG than the total Villa made in the entire game.

Footyheadlines have already mentioned that its the 97/98 that they'll be paying homage too, and they made a bit of a better mockup than their other effort above

If its better than this mock up, it'll be a win in my book

The self proclaimed best team in the league are now 10 points from top spot

Today is Lamine Yamal's 100th professional game, he's still only 17, he's going to be on his knees by the time he reaches 25.

Joe Hart may actually be one of the best pundits around at the moment, even if he feels a bit dry when talking.

I know he's still a bit naff and a one trick pony, but it's hilarious he has three goals and one assist in his 4 games so far

Were literally in a final already and they're not

He's currently on a run of 11 consecutive Championship games without conceding a goal, the last time he didn't kept a clean sheet and conceded a league goal was on the 21st December

Beyond Southampton vs Leicester, I can't think of a more un appetizing game.