ExiledGeordie

Yeah has an inevitability about it really. Club needs to accelerate that search for a striker.

Was it definitely an injury? I thought they were managing minutes for Bournemouth. We already know Wilson can’t play every game it’s just been highlighted even more now because he’s our ONLY fit striker currently.

Spot on well said. I thought we played pretty well tonight and that’s a tough place to go. You have to take chances like Joelinton’s though if you’re going to get something in a fixture like that. That number of injuries would stretch anyone and we’ve dealt with it admirably up until now. I think these fixtures do also highlight where the next phase of strengthening is needed…..to get us sharper and more ice cold with more options and quality in the final 3rd to take our chances and really finish teams off.

Outrageous player ?

Yeah calm down ffs lol

That is where the side needs to develop next, players to kills games off and win tight tricky big games.

I think we’ve played pretty well but Joelinton has to score that chance. We have too many attacking players out and injuries in general to really hurt them.

No late December at the earliest

Quite enjoyed listening to Gary Neville’s post match review. I think he’s spot on about Arsenal that their lack of a proper number 9 is hurting them. On us I think he makes a great point that we can become a really really top side by adding that extra quality in final 3rd to win more games against the top sides. That progression going from a really good side to the next level (Neto type winger plus another striker type scenario)

Yeah there’ll be some really jiggly, bad blooded games both home and away.

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Actually going to this, back in the Gallowgate should be a great match. Tough but they won’t be looking forward to come here after losing last night even if it was with a second team.

Yeah exactly, what is he 19? ?

I think we’ll see him come on for Burn more and more in games because it’ll allow us to go more offensive in certain situations. A great option to have and him and Livramento look like the full backs in waiting moving forwards.

His ability to shut players down is ridiculous. Must be a nightmare to go up against, just smothers players.

Has to rest Lascelles at some point. If he gets injured and as Botman looks like he’s out longer then they have to protect him (didn’t think I’d be saying that). No quarms about the team, something has to give under the circumstances.

The Barnes injury has made the issue more prominent again I think. If Barnes had been fit we would’ve had more opportunity to field the Barnes/Gordon combo which could be great. RW next summer for me.

And he likes Trippier (and Burn for that matter) for their leadership.

Yes I think normally we’d be licking our lips for this but injuries have come at a really unfortunate time.

There would’ve been a shit fest ?

This is it. Howe has done pretty well bedding different players in at the right time. He'll do the same with Hall and Livramento

Howe clearly felt, in fact he’s said this postmatch that to close out the game in this situation it wasn’t right for either Liv or Hall. I think our lack of options in midfield and attack was more of an issue than what role Livramento and Hall could do.

Fair enough mate it’s all about opinions isn’t it. If either of them are still struggling to get game time next year I’ll be asking questions too. For now I’m not concerned.

Listening to Howe post match, he clearly didn’t feel comfortable bringing either player in in this specific situation in a difficult game. Sounds like he would’ve made more changes further up the pitch if he could but lacked options. Thats good enough for me. Hall and Livramento will play in good time.

Yeah squad is stretched to the max currently, even some of the younger lads missing like Miley. I think we have to half sacrifice this game to focus on Arsenal and Dortmund and we have B’mouth after that before the international break which is a must win really in relation to top 4/5. Just play a squad side and give players a run out like Hall etc who need minutes. His knows who he’ll play upfront, Gordon?