ExiledGeordie

Yeah I think if Ivan Toney signs for Arsenal they’ll probably win the league. City will be really strong again next year as they were probably always going to have a bit of a treble hangover. At this stage I think top four is very unlikely given our away form and injuries. If our injuries clear up and we have a good January we’ll be a serious team second half of the season and could go on a run. Villa are having a season like we did last year and have been lucky with injuries. That may change and they may also hit a dip in form but right now you’d say they’re nailed on for top 4.

Yeah I think players are written off too easily, just look at Gordon, I had my doubts about him like others did. If Howe wants Phillips and he comes in that’s good enough for me.

Yeah I’m not 100% convinced Phillips is the answer but I’m torn because I think Howe could have a massive impact on him if you look at players like Gordon and those who improved who were already here. Hes 28 in his prime and with a point to prove (you’d hope). I do think we’d benefit from a more designated defensive midfield just to give us more options but whether that player is Phillips or whether they have an eye on someone next summer or even if they see Tonali doing some of that role next season even if he isn’t that exact type player. A Phillips version from a fee years ago sitting with Bruno and Miley/Joelinton just ahead ‘could’ be awesome. I suppose with Phillips loan with option to buy if he does well is probably the best idea.

Spot on. We defo need a match winner on the right, someone to nab a goal in a tight game or create an opening. Plus if you’ve got someone out there who can create it opens up space for the strikers. Let’s be honest it’s rare that Miggy ever does that so teams can plan fairly effectively to deal with him and Murphy for that matter. Yes Miggy is very effective in certain situations, presses and defends well but he isn’t that clinical and isn’t going to scare defences. Agree on the other option to Bruno factor too.

I don’t have an issue with the Barnes deal, he’s been really unlucky with this injury, I think he’ll do really well and Gordon can shift over to the right at times. Gordon needs cover too. We absolutely need a new RW next summer though.

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I’d be very surprised if he left given our project but I guess you never know ?‍♂️

He put one pass through (I can’t remember who too) which was a reminder just how much he offers other than top notch defending. Literally triggers fast moving attacks with raking through balls ?

Definitely agree and I think someone could come in for that role but whether it’s Jan or summer is the question (though they may see Tonali as an option for that next season). We really do need another striking option urgently too. Feels like we could do with someone in the final 3rd to give us a bit of a lift, RW or striker if we could get them. I still wouldn’t be surprised if someone comes in in midfield too though. Botmans fitness will probably influence January heavily too.

Hes been colossal particularly as there’s been no option to rotate.

Awesome player, has come on so well and proved a lot of doubters wrong. Hes only going to get better and when we sign a new RW next year he’s going be even more deadly.

There’s the spirit and positivity we need ??

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I laughed when I heard, seems an odd choice I agree

Here’s a good one for the forum ? Jordan Henderson on loan. Patient I spoke to who’d spoke to one of the coaches (works in a role connected to the club) who’d said they were enquiring about him on loan and he’s interested.

Barrring severe injury or some collapse in form he absolutely looks the real deal.

Get him out he’s shite!

Any type of win today was vital ? Hopefully the injuries aren’t too bad. Great to see Krafth do well and Botman back.

Think positive ? Mind we desperately need another striking option

Does he? No he doesn’t ffs ?

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People’s frustration at the volume and length of injuries seems to be influencing their overall opinion of the medical staff. We had few injuries last year, we’ve had a fuck load of games causing loading based injuries and some freak traumatic injuries. Initial injuries to players puts an increased load on other players causing further injuries. The club has spent more money on treating and preventing injury than probably any other regime previously. Shit happens, we’ve been unlucky, we’ll be ok. Theyll clearly be doing everything they can do and I have no concerns about the medical staff.

Isak like a few needs a restart in the new year.

And the fact he was almost certainly facing a lengthy ban with the weight of the world on his shoulders ?

I think it’s extremely difficult to find the Bruno replacement but I agree Tonali was probably their plan B. The reason I think we might go for Philips is it’s another option in midfield to do something different especially away from home even if it’s just providing the back four with extra cover. You could quite easily have Philips or another more defensive midfielder sitting and then Bruno plus one other providing the more creative, attacking side of things.