Hanshithispantz

Retired surely.

Missed that post, sorry Fatigue and injuries was obviously a massive factor last season, I don't think it's fair to assume our away form will continue like it has with a fit squad. Despite playing shite we've won 2, drew 1, lost 1 away so far. Not a chance that happens blowing out of our arse from the 70th minute. I would assume we'll sort our press out and form will improve, I don't think that's blind faith.

The players we have have played far, far better though. I remember after Christmas in the 4th season, where we looked like we'd been sussed, only to go on another run and we were in the CL. Small tweaks can make a massive difference and the way Howe has chopped and changed the starting XI shows he's still trying to find something that works. He did the same in his first season, where he couldn't buy a point until we suddenly had one of the best defences in the league.

Aye I agree, and being bitten like we were with injuries last season has obviously effected us. I still think we need to gamble and play with intensity though, I just cannot see Howe surviving otherwise.

If we can maintain our energy levels and keep our press performing then I think we get back to battering any side who isn't top shelf playing out from the back. There was a time when we were too much for pretty much any side other than Man City. Even Arsenal and Liverpool looked shit scared of us at times (although Liverpool annoying always won). I think we're capable of getting back to that.

Aye that game was very impressive.

I think Villa had, and still have, a better squad. The issue is that they've maintained steady form and Emery's style is always being realised. Currently we're unable to implament Howe's. I genuinely believe we're a far more dangerous team than them, regardless of playing staff, when on song, but we're a bit fucked if we're having to scrap our plan A against every side in the league away from home.

They would have finished above us 2 seasons is a row though, and the 6-months or so before that their form was better iirc. The point is I think they're a far better measure of where we should be than Chelsea and Man Utd. I love Howe because I believe he's a top manager, and up there with Emery. If that's not the case (or outside factors limit it), then I think we need to accept it and move on.

It would be 3rd or 4th. Villa have been consistently great since Emery arrived, they've had top 4 form throughout. No reason we cannot expect the same.

Why?

Because Chelsea and Man Utd are meme clubs. Like I said, if Villa finish above them, we should too.

Aye that's what I mean, the team hasn't looked like it knows what it's meant to be for ages now. We put that down to injuries and the fixture list but we've started this season looking even more disjointed. We know Howe wants to play an agressive 4-3-3 that pins the opposition in their own half. I just cannot out my finger on why he cannot seem to implament it anymore.

It's been said but 'Trippier, Schar, Kelly, Livramento' looks a great back 4 on paper.

Villa are the benchmark imo, if they're finishing above us we've failed. It might seem a bit over the top to define our season by the achievements of another team, but 6th or 7th being a benchmark when a side 'around our level' is consistently performing better than us doesn't really hold up. I don't think Howe can survive without being able to implament his aggressive, pressing style, but for whatever reason it's abandoned us. Teams outside the top 6/7 couldn't play against us, but for almost a year now we're letting them. Basically I don't think you can half arse what we need to do off the ball, and if we've had to scrap our aggression to prevent injuries then we'd be better off with a different manager. Edit: To clarify, I love Howe and his style and I really want it to work.

Think it's because you know exactly what him and Eales will be saying to each other They seem like (probably neccesary) corperate strangers where as Mehrad and Amanda were genuinely likeable, despite probably being a bit out of their depth in the long run. We havw been abysmal so far this season despite the points like, Howe needs to sort something out quick or he'll be gone imo.

There's something not quite right with Smith-Rowe's bracket is there?

Why did that take so long

He needs to be put in a box and allowed to grow. Watered and fed, set to 200 celsius and baked until golden. We keep on opening the oven to check but we're just letting the heat out, give the lad a chance to rise. Salt him when he's done, we're always too eager to season players before they're ready but I was always told to taste at the end and adjust. He'll come good, we all just need to be patient and trust the recipe, he's only 20.

Pickford is basically Everton's number 10.

Forgot how good Cisse's debut goal was.

If they get away with it it will be down to their own lawyers and having time to prepare, the PL won't just give them a slap on the wrist if found guilty of anything big.

Osula must be absolutely rancid

That's quite a reaction like

Football from when Barclays was the sponsor, I assume the 'men' bit at the end is because everyone has shite craic now due to Twitter osmosis.

He's nowhere near athletic enough for us, I would be buzzing for him of he makes it in the Premier League though and he probably will.