ExiledGeordie

Anderson is out 2 months with a stress fracture

I’m not nearly as concerned as some on here judging by comments but he definitely seems like he’s more nervy on some crosses than he used to be. Used to catch a lot more and now goes for the punch option more often.

I get people’s concerns but I’m banking on Howe having perfectly rational reasons for his rotation decision making.

There was always going to be a greater risk with injuries this season.

Exactly this. They’ve been solid at home this season with some good results recently and we’re down to the bare bones ffs. Tremendous effort and solid point under the circumstances

?? spot on. Needs dropping? Aye right

Gordon or Joelinton has a 9 at some point in the match you’d imagine

The champions league was always going to test the squad depth and quality. We were awesome against PSG but Dortmund probably exposed some of our limitations. The squad is being built but games against elite well drilled sides will eventually come unstuck with players like Miggy in the side. As Tron has said above too we need more players who can finish top teams off and I don’t think we have that just yet. Gordon has been excellent but he’s still work in progress to a point and will get better. Another striking option goal scoring winger etc

It’ll be interesting to see what they do with Hall in terms of bedding him in the second half of this season. They clearly see him as the left back moving forwards and you’d imagine to maybe have him starting for next season ?‍♂️ Or would they go for another option too? I don’t see that given the needs in other parts of the pitch.

I think I’ve said something similar to you at the exact same time ?

I think Eddie is probably a little torn here because Targett did really well for him before Burn turned in his surprising left back form. I think he knows Targett gives him more in terms of set piece delivery and a little more width going forward. But Burn has been integral to that defensive rigidity so it’s difficult to twist rather than stick.

Well summed up. It’s a disaster really but at least it’s in an area of the pitch where we have a bit more depth. Not much we can do now but support him and strengthen the team as best we can in Jan.

Neves on loan would be great aside from the fume it would create.

Very well summed up and I agree on Jan I think both clubs will be very active. Without Jan reinforcements injuries could really blight our season.

Yeah I think yesterday’s game is a bit of a reality check in terms of where we’ve come from. We’re a very good side and plenty of our players - Miggy, Dan Burn, Murphy, Longstaff have all done well but eventually those players will be upgraded to the next level. More clinical, greater depth and options from the bench. I’m just enjoying the evolution of the side and the progression.

They’re going to have to manage his minutes and maybe use Gordon or Joelinton as options for a few minutes here and there. If we lose Wilson on top of Isak we’re royally screwed

Striker in Jan please

I thought right CB was a key area of concern strength wise but his form has eased those concerns. Striker/RW is arguably much more Important now

Sometimes you have to accept that a team turns up and is just better. They were well drilled, slick on the ball and broke quickly on the counter. I thought their midfield was excellent. Bruno was on his own insofar as quality play in our midfield. Longstaff and Joelinton both had off nights and that’ll kill you in these games.

Yeah he’s a proper cunt. I don’t actually mind people coming out and stating they have an issue with Saudi involvement but now it just seems like he slates the club and enjoys winding up the fans. It’s like he can only see it from one standpoint. The childish social media posts completely lack the class of other established writers. He can fuck off.

I thought we were too heavily reliant on Gordon to make something happen to be honest and I think an upgrade at RW is inevitable at some point.

Agreed I think the injuries are a worry now. If Isak goes down for several weeks you’re relying on Wilson playing most games and then he could get injured. I thought Dortmund looked like a hardened, experienced champions league side. We were unfortunate with those couple chances which hit the bar but Wilson should score that main chance, has to really. I thought in general we looked off it in midfield and as much as I like Miggy those kind of games sometimes highlight our lack of quality in the final 3rd against top quality sides and that we’re a side still building. Still all to play for though in remaining games

I don’t think he’s that bad but he’s clearly had an issue bubbling away recently and I agree they’ll be looking to toughen him up a bit. I think we need another striker in Jan. If Isak goes down for a while that puts loads of pressure on Wilson (or vice versa).

Recovering from glandular fever

Yeah what’s with the no training thing? I mean if you’ve got someone who has a form of addiction surely him going to the training ground and being around players for support and having some routine is part of rehab? What’s he meant to do, go for a jogg round the block? ?