LFEE

?? They probably won’t but in all seriousness they are still a great team. Any top 11 can have a bad 45mins.

Everyone else easily turns him so I’m sure EH wouldn’t even need to ?

Disgraceful ? Get yourself sorted for Tuesday ?

Looking like that’s two struck off already against Chelsea ? Still 45mins to go admittedly.

Surely not? They just paid £21m to release him. If ever they are going to change their short term ways surely this is the time?

You’d think if you were a match going fan you’d have at least one club scarf already mind ?

Good to see we aren’t the only set of fans who start applauding before being asked I’m guessing for a minutes silence ?

He did the job he was brought here for. He’s doing the job planned for his second season. You’d always think his last season is the recoup a small proportion of his £20m fee phase. The only glitch in the plan was I think the club expected Wilson and Isak to be far more readily available and hopefully never unavailable concurrently. That sadly hasn’t been the case. Ive always tried to defend him (our style of play, not many good crosses and how many actual chances have we created for him that he’s missed) but unfortunately the Bournemouth, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday misses (two of which I even hoped for the lad were nasty bobbles) have sealed his fate you’d think. EH is a smart manager a CW seems a good pro so don’t foresee any issues as he returns back to 5min cameos for the rest of the season. Still got a funny feeling he’s got one absolutely massive goal left in him this season…

Dust settling and feels like we are now at the main crossroads of the season. Like some have said win on Tuesday and this one is easier to forgive. Lose on Tuesday and a lot of those wanting a weakened team for the FAC might realise what a disappointment it is to go out of the FAC 3rd round with no European games. Yes it allows us focus on the league but with that comes increased pressure on each of them games which can be counterproductive. As for the squad at the halfway point of the season it clearly needs a midfielder to come in and start most games (rotating/replacing Longstaff) and a forward comfortable for all three positions. As for the actual selection and performance there’s an argument you play Dubs as seen as better than Darlow and he asked to return against Darlow who stayed faithful and remained throughout but not as competent. Manquillo never lets anyone down but is a different type of RB to Trippier with the latter like to have the game in front of him whereas the former more one for overlapping. Lewis has never stood out since he came but hopefully this long term hip problem is behind him but his chances will be limited now that we are out the FAC. Did ok but other than his mobility looking better he’s still lacking in confidence to take the game by the scruff of its neck with his usual advance 15 yards then pass backwards 10 yards. Would’ve liked to of seen him operate in a less changed side to judge him properly now fit rather than a team playing almost like strangers due to the eight changes. Lascelles looked nervy and it’s noticeable how less assured the back four is with him in it. Should’ve been his type of game also as Sheffield Wednesday played an almost old school two up top which was nice to see in these modern times and shows it still has a place with even Botman tested differently to what he’s been accustomed to. Ritchie was Ritchie. You know what you are going to get and what you aren’t. Would’ve been fine again against this opposition in a team with less changes. Anderson struggled again and apart from one of our very early home games this season (Forest perhaps?) and at a push against ten man Fulham away he’s looked average at best and doesn’t physically look like he has the attributes to make it in his current position. Nice to see Isak start as predicted and only hope he’s as good as people keep telling me. Should’ve scored at least once which changes the whole tie (and possibly season) but again was in an changed forward line. So a game that ultimately has left many questions left unanswered which is as big a frustration as the result itself. Personally feel EH should’ve started strong and won the game making the changes the other way round. Had a bad feeling about the tie since it was drawn and selected for prime time terrestrial TV. Playing the only team with a longer unbeaten record than ours on their pitch was never going to be easy. My hunch got worse weirdly when Sunderland turned their tie round with two stoppage time goals almost at the same time as it was confirmed ASM wasn’t in the squad which was a massive miss for a game like this. Fair play to Sheffield Wednesday scoring two nice goals and could’ve had two or three more but it showed with the triple change once we got a grip of the midfield the game with a different team selection could’ve been a completely different story which is the disappointment I’ll feel as the draw is made for next round. So in short squad depth is sufficient for THIS season but only with minimum changes but (two first team accusations would be great). Eight was too many and arguably regardless of the squad quality too many with any group for a high profile cup tie away from home.

? See Lewis and Manquillo are starting as well @Yorkie ?

Goldfish bowl was right ?

Real Madrid penalty for handball. Honestly man what has this game and VAR come to. Disgraceful.

Yep. Nothing like an early cup exit to derail a season. Play a strong team and try and get through. No excuses not to really we aren’t in Europe. Squad is big enough. Use it wisely tomorrow.

Yep. Went on strike with Ajax at a whiff of the move to Chelsea so character flaws too.

Hope not. Looked average every time I’ve seen him play. Think @Unbelievableagrees ? Think he’ll go to Chelsea if they don’t get the lad from Benfica anyway.

For what it’s worth… ? Steve Wraith on one of his podcasts said the few snippets he’s heard from inside the club is Tielemans isn’t as admired at the club as has been made out. If I recall it was possibly due to his lack of tracking back but I can’t recall for sure. Would agree TBH.

Was very impressed with No.20 for Chelsea.

Well there’s the first one… ?

Long way to go. Arteta already losing it and we ain’t even at half way point ? Arsenal still have to play Man City twice? Two wins and they are back in the race plus a few London derbies.

Seen on Twitter someone mention him a week ago with regards to a potential smart signing for us or others. Did a bit YT scouting. Looks good but maybe a bit lightweight and still better suited for French league.

Anything but a Chelsea win really.

Dropping like flies at the Bridge. Stirling and Pulsic both off injured. Kovacic would be perfect for us. Basically Bruno with pace.

No first time. Booked yesterday. Looking forward to it.